Intense competition in the solar panel installation market means consumers should be extra cautious when entering into purchase or lease agreements, state officials said in an announcement coinciding with Earth Day.
Attorney General George Jepsen, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris and Green Bank President Bryan Garcia did not cite any wrongdoing by solar installers doing business in Connecticut, but alluded to unethical behavior in other states.
Some Arizona residents have complained about deceptive marketing practices.
The warning comes as more Connecticut households are having solar panels installed, including nearly 5,000 last year.
The average residential system costs $32,000, which is offset by state and federal tax incentives averaging $11,500, officials said.
Some advice from the state agencies:
- Get multiple, itemized price quotes.
- Beware of offers where the salesperson claims an offer will expire quickly because of time-sensitive government incentives.
- Watch out for estimates of future electric prices that rise drastically.
- Understand the difference between leases and purchasing, and who receives what benefits under each scenario.
- Unless a home has electric heat, solar will not save money on heating costs.
