By Tara Haywood
Solar scams are on the rise across the country, and Mohave Electric Cooperative takes this matter very seriously.
While we have been able to successfully ‘thwart’ a number of deceptive schemes, we’ve recently discovered that several local residents have fallen victim to fraudulent contractor tactics.
In such instances, the ‘contractor’ informs the unsuspecting consumer that all necessary steps were taken prior to installing the panels and equipment. Unfortunately, when that homeowner contacts us to finalize the process and qualify for their rebate, they learn that ‘corners were cut’ and their system was actually installed without proper City or County permitting. Rather than obtaining the required municipal building permit, the solar contractor fabricated a facsimile.
As a result of the illegal installation, the solar panels and equipment can, by statute, be subject to removal.
The consumer is then left without the new energy system that they just purchased with their hard-earned money! They are also on the hook for potential fines and removal costs—all due to the reprehensible actions of the contractor!
While this particular scam was nipped in the bud by our astute staff, there are many others circulating throughout the area.
If you are considering solar, please be on the lookout for any of the following:
Aggressive Door-to-Door Salespersons
Let’s face it, salespeople can sometimes be a little pushy. It’s their livelihood. That being said, anyone who presents with a sense of urgency, makes grandiose promises and tries to rush you into signing a contract is a pretty bad sign. Do not sign anything until you have thoroughly reviewed the documents and checked the history of the company they claim to represent. Many people have unknowingly been locked into long-term financing plans by slick con artists just looking to make a quick buck.
Promises of Tax-credits, Rebates
Yes, there are rebates and tax credits available, but you may be told misleading or flat-out erroneous information. Not every purchase qualifies for a rebate and a tax credit is just that—a credit you can take on your taxes. The IRS does not send you a check for outfitting your house with solar panels.
Deceptive Lease Conditions
Disreputable solar companies may try to lock you into a lease on solar panels. The problem here is that you might be financing a system that you do not actually own! Many people do not realize this until their rebate and incentive applications are denied because we don’t offer rebates on leased systems.
Falsely Identifying as a Utility Representative
Frustratingly, this is the 1 we see most often! These unethical scammers will mislead people into believing that they are representing MEC or another utility provider. This fake ‘credibility’ is sometimes all that’s needed to get their proverbial “foot in the door”. From there, the scammers might say things like, “You’ll never have an electric bill again”, or “The rebates and federal tax credits are set to expire at the end of the month”…the list goes on.
As we’ve repeatedly stated, MEC plays no role in hiring nor endorsing any contractor. We cannot emphasize this enough. Our technicians, when requested, are solely tasked with verifying new installs for grid safety.
Exercise caution and use extreme diligence when selecting a solar equipment provider. Better yet call MEC first! Outfitting your residence with a new solar system is an expensive investment. Do research, check licenses and complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, compare prices, and ask MEC questions! There are many reputable, licensed contractors who service Mohave County. Please remember, however, that no 1 from Mohave Electric Cooperative will ever try to sell you solar equipment! If a solicitor asserts that they are affiliated with MEC, that is a huge red flag!
We DO, however, have a streamlined process to assist members who are interested in solar energy. Learn more at the Renewable Energy page.
Our energy management specialist, Courtney Nixon, is also available to answer questions and concerns about everything from procuring permits to issuing renewable energy rebates and other potential savings. If you are unsure about your next steps with solar, don’t hesitate to give her a call at (928) 763-1100.