PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Are you thinking of getting solar energy to reduce your carbon footprint? We are on your side to make sure you know how to keep yourself safe choosing a solar company.
KATU spoke with Energy Trust of Oregon, and they told us, “The number one that we’ve seen is a shift from direct mailers going out to households and residents to social media. A lot of times, these are lead generation companies.”
These lead generation companies tell you about a deal like “no cost down” or “get free solar for a limited time.” You provide your information, and those companies work to sell that to a contractor.
These fake companies have also reached out claiming they are local or state federal agencies.
According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, in 2023, the Oregon AG’s office received 49 complaints related to solar. And 51% were related to installment issues.
“And then the rest of those were related to the product not what they thought it was going to be, and 30% of other issues were financing — big issue from my perspective is installment issues and financing” says Ellen Klem, the director of Consumer Outreach and Education for the Oregon Attorney General.
Besides social media and mailers, companies are still going door to door for sales.
“An increase in door-to-door sales. And I want to highlight that not all door-to-door sales are bad. There are very reputable businesses that use door-to-door, but you need to verify is the individual who they say they are,” says Cameron Starr with Energy Trust.
Klem said don’t wait for someone to offer solar services to you.
“You be the driver of this purchase. Do your own research, talk to friends and family. That’s the best tip to stay safe,” Klem said.
If you do find yourself a victim of a misleading sale, here is what you can do.
Make sure you have the two cancellation papers that the company is required to give you at the time of the sale. One to submit to the company and one for your records, if you plan to cancel.
You have three business days after the door-to-door sale to cancel for a full refund if you spend $25 or more.
After you notify the company with the cancellation paper, they have 10 days to refund your money.
For more information, you can contact the consumer hotline 1-877-877-9392 or go to: oregonconsumer.gov.
Before doing business with any consumer company, you can search the database “be infORmed” to make sure the company is safe to use or if they have complaints with the AG’s office.
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