A new group called the Solar Consumer Protection Agency (SCPA) formed in partnership with affiliate solar companies to launch a new national campaign it’s calling “Fight Fake Solar,” the purpose of which is to expose deceptive companies within the solar industry and protect homeowners. The SCPA is looking to bring forth major improvements and set standards that all companies need to meet and follow before they can move forward with a sale and installation of a solar system.
Some of the main issues the SCPA highlights includes companies making false guarantees, purposely installing undersized systems, and knowingly signing unbuildable systems, leaving customers in limbo for years. Companies also increase payments with vague understanding from the homeowner or install a completely different system than was originally agreed upon.
The SCPA with the help of their affiliate network has created a national database of homeowners who have already been victims of misinformation and deceit from solar companies.
“Solar is a good thing. Its purpose is to help reduce our carbon footprint, while at the same time save people money. People are trapped for 25 years in a contract with something they didn’t agree to or that works properly. They can’t just take it off their roof and how are they going to sell their homes? It’s very unfair,” says Josh VanDusky, Co-Founder of SCPA.
The SCPA says it is currently looking to build partnerships with companies who share their belief in helping homeowners go solar with full transparency. They are looking to offer certified options for homeowners. The Solar Consumer Protection Agency audits proposals and contracts then will fully disclose all information to the homeowner to make a choice.
— Solar Builder magazine
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