The transition to solar energy is not just an investment in your home but a step towards a more sustainable future. However, the path to solar adoption is sometimes clouded by the shadow of predatory sales tactics known as “solar scams.” Kasselman Solar, through its commitment to integrity and consumer education, highlights the importance of vigilance against such practices. Understanding these tactics can empower you to make informed decisions and ensure your solar journey is both positive and fruitful.
Recognizing Predatory Sales Tactics
Predatory sales tactics are designed to pressure or deceive consumers into making hasty, often ill-informed decisions. Recognizing these tactics is crucial in safeguarding yourself against potential solar scams:
- Door-to-Door Sales Pressure: While not all door-to-door sales are deceptive, this approach can sometimes be used to pressure homeowners. Sales representatives may claim they’re working with local utility companies or offer limited-time deals that require immediate action. Always take your time to research the company and the offer before making any commitments.
- Misleading Information: Some sales representatives might provide misleading information about the costs, performance, or necessary size of a solar system. They may downplay the complexities involved in solar installation, such as the need for proper permits or the suitability of your home’s location and structure. This can lead to you, the homeowner, putting pen to paper on a contract riddled with false information based off of promises the sales representative is unable to keep.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: This includes making you feel guilty, offering deals that are too good to refuse, or suggesting that you’re missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A reputable solar provider understands the importance of a significant investment like solar and will give you the space and time to make a decision. Kasselman Solar is proud to offer no-commitment obligations to our clients, allowing you the freedom to go solar on your terms, not ours.
How to Protect Yourself
Empowerment comes from knowledge and the confidence to ask questions. Here are some strategies to protect yourself from falling victim to predatory sales tactics and solar scams:
- Take Your Time: Any reputable solar provider will respect your need for time to research and consider your options. Don’t be rushed into a decision, especially during an unscheduled home visit or sales call. A respectable solar consultant will respect your time, wishes, and needs when it comes to making a final decision.
- Research and Verify: Look into the company’s background, read customer reviews, and verify any affiliations they claim to have with local utilities or government programs. In New York, the best solar installers can get named to NYSERDA’s prestigious Quality Solar Installer list, an accolade Kasselman Solar has achieved five times!
- Seek Multiple Opinions: Getting multiple quotes can not only provide you with a better understanding of the fair market value but also expose any outliers in terms of cost or promised services. Especially for a project as costly as solar, it often makes sense for homeowners to get at least two quotes to compare and contrast.
- Consult with Trusted Advisors: Whether it’s a friend who has gone solar, a professional advisor, or an online community, getting a third-party opinion can provide additional perspective and validation. Especially if you have a friend that has gone solar with the company you’re considering, it’s very possible for you to get an accurate depiction of what their services are actually like.
The Kasselman Advantage
In a world where predatory sales tactics are unfortunately quite common, Kasselman Solar stands head and shoulders above the rest. Along with being free of charge, our solar consultations are 100% no-obligation, so if you ultimately decide solar isn’t right for you, we respect your decision and part ways with a smile and a handshake.
In addition, Kasselman Solar is a local, Capital Region-based company, but has achieved national recognition for our work in the clean energy industry. Not only have we been named a 5-time NYSERDA Quality Solar Installer, we’ve been featured in Forbes and Solar Power World as a National Top Contractor.
Contact us for a quote, and experience the Kasselman Advantage for yourself!
