“20% of our total investigations are solar related,” says David Behar, Deputy Executive Officer with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Some grim facts coming from the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Consider the agency gets 3,000 complaints annually. That 20% represents about 600 complaints. And those complaints are coming from all over the state—from Clark County, Elko County, Washoe County, and everywhere in between.
Behar says the problem has gotten so bad; the board has set up a “Solar Investigations Unit.”
“So, one of the biggest issues we have encountered regarding these door-to-door tactics; again, particularly this time of year when it is so hot outside,” he says. “That’s a great time to knock on someone’s door and say hey we can help reduce your power bill.”
Behar says the pitch can be slick, but not always honest.
It will be pressured sales which most likely will involve signing a contract as quickly as possible. A long-term loan may also be involved which could go up to 30 years.
“The length of these systems oftentimes often won’t outlive that length of that loan,” says Behar. And many times, Behar says customer service is lacking.
The best advice he can give is as follows:
*Do extensive research.
*Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door.
*Get three estimates.
*Find out exactly what impact solar panel installation will have on a utility bill.
Go to the contractor’s board to see if the solar company is licensed, and if any complaints have been filed against it.
See if the company is licensed to do roofs, and if they aren’t do they work with a roofing company who is.
Review any contract very, very carefully.
Keep in mind signing up for a 30-year loan to pay for solar panels means the next person buying the home may be saddled with that loan if the former owner dies before that loan is paid.
To verify a contractor’s license, go to: www.nscb.nv.gov
