Beware of Solar Scams: Spotting Companies Promising Unrealistic 2-Week Installations

It's that time of year again when solar companies are promising quick and easy installations just in time for the end of the year. While going solar is a great way to save money on your power bill, you need to be careful of scams. In this blog post, we'll outline a solar scam to look out for so that you can make an informed decision about going solar.

So what’s been happening with these solar scams?

Solar scams are unfortunately becoming more common as the industry grows. Solar companies will often take advantage of homeowners who are not familiar with the process or who are desperate to save money on their energy bills. 

One of the most common scams is promising a 2-week installation time frame. This is impossible. A quality solar company will need at least 4-6 weeks to properly install a system. Rushing the process will result in a subpar installation that will not function as intended and could even be dangerous. 

Another scam to watch out for is companies that use unqualified installers. These installers may not have the proper training or experience to properly install a solar system. This can lead to damage to your property and void any warranties that you thought you were getting. And when it does, you're left with a hefty repair bill and a useless solar panel system.

The best way to avoid getting scammed is to do your research ahead of time. Make sure you understand the process and what a quality installation should entail. Get multiple quotes from different companies before making a decision. And always read the fine print!

If a solar company is pressuring you to sign a contract or make a deposit for an installation that is scheduled for only a few weeks from now, you know where it’s going. Don’t risk your home for a few tempting words. 

How do I know if I’m speaking with a high-quality solar installer?

Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill and do your part for the environment. But as we’ve learned, not all solar companies are created equal. In order to make sure you're getting a high-quality solar installer and panel system, there are a few things you should look for.

1. Look for an established company with a good reputation.

How many reviews do they have on Google or ProductReview.com.au? What are people saying about them? Don’t just read one review, read at least a dozen.

2. Make sure the company uses high-quality products.

Solar has evolved many times over the last half a century. Most solar companies will provide you with the old string panel technology as they’re cheaper and help the company make more profit while giving you low-quality products.

However, if you find a company that talks about “optimiser” technology or “micro-inverters”, then we recommend you work closely with them. These newer technologies will bring you the peace of mind you want for your home, with the most up-to-date technology. Giving you something that will stand the test of time for several years to come, saving you money, time and stress in the future.

3. Check that the company has a solid warranty policy.

Most reputable solar companies will provide you with a 25-year performance warranty. Warranty however isn’t everything. A solar company can shut down tomorrow, and all the 25-years of warranty along with it.

So you want to find a solar company that has long-term interests at heart? Because 15 years down the road, if you happen to come across an issue, you want to know that you can still rely on them because they’re still operating

4. Ask for references from past clients. 

Make sure to look through the company's social media. See if you can get access to where they’ve installed thus far, and how many installations they’ve completed. At Smart Energy Answers we have a page dedicated just to this, collecting and displaying all our completed installations.

Conclusion

Solar scams are becoming more common as the industry grows. With so many options available, it's important to do your research before signing any contracts or making any payments. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The best way to avoid solar scams is to get multiple quotes from different companies and not only compare pricing BUT also the terms, reputation, installation method, and level of technology before making a decision.

Also be aware of the most common scams, like those promising unrealistic installation timelines, and know how to avoid them by doing your reading ahead of time (like reading these blog posts). A little bit of knowledge can go a long way in protecting you from solar scammers.