Don’t let bad actors cast shade on rooftop solar
As energy prices rise, families are being forced to pay higher utility bills and make tough financial decisions. Consumers are beginning to take control of their electricity bills by harnessing the power of the sun through rooftop solar.
Unfortunately, bad actors such as Pink Energy are standing in our way to achieve energy independence. After years of treating its customers poorly and failing to follow through on unrealistic promises, Pink Energy finally went out of business in the fall.
Bad actors give the entire solar industry a bad name, but thankfully there are reputable solar companies installing solar every day in Hampton Roads and beyond.
Solar has become more affordable and accessible than ever before. The cost to install solar has dropped by more than 60% over the last decade, with an average-sized residential system dropping from a pre-incentive price of $40,000 in 2010 to roughly $20,000 today. The average return on investment is 8-12 years, and there are many more opportunities for financial assistance than ever before.
However, as the popularity of solar grows, scammers are using it as an opportunity to prey on consumers searching for the best deal. The truth is there are already many reputable solar companies working throughout Virginia doing things the right way. Unfortunately, it only takes one bad apple to spoil a bunch, and we’re seeing an increase in bad apples in the solar sales market across the commonwealth.
There are ways for folks interested in solar to make sure they’re doing business with a solar company that has their best interests at heart. At Solar United Neighbors (SUN), we encourage you to do your homework and recommend getting quotes from at least three installers. This will help you see the differences in price, warranties, electricity offset and other factors you consider important.
All Virginians deserve honest, accurate information about their solar purchase. This is why consumer-advocacy groups such as Solar United Neighbors are working to educate more people about solar and provide vendor-neutral guidance.
Our team of experts will review your various solar proposals and help you understand the differences in technology, financing and economics.
This year the General Assembly will consider House Bill 2355, which aims to hold solar companies accountable and put an end to misleading sales practices. SUN is working with Del. Jackie Glass, D-Norfolk, to put consumer safeguards in place and develop a workgroup of solar stakeholders intent on proposing real solutions.
While this process will take a few years to complete, passing this legislation is a step in the right direction for consumer rights.
We don’t have to look too far to see an example of a state that has tackled this problem head-on.
In 2019 South Carolina passed its Energy Freedom Act, and in 2021 solar consumer protection regulations went into effect. These regulations set guardrails to ensure solar contract terms are clear, straightforward and line up with the original sales pitch. Also, a formal process was created to resolve any complaints.
These protections have already helped protect consumers from solar scams and predatory contracts. Unfortunately, Virginia’s attorneys general is currently hamstrung by signed contracts and unable to seek recourse for victims. We need to lay the groundwork for a safe path forward to energy independence.
The opportunity is ripe for homeowners to generate and own their electricity using rooftop solar. However, if these few bad apples spoil the bunch in the commonwealth, many Virginians will be robbed of the opportunity to take control of their energy future.
We must put an end to companies trying to scam our friends and neighbors. Keep the future bright for solar in Virginia and encourage your state legislators to support HB2355.