Misled By A Solar Company? Know Your Rights
Solar power use by homeowners has skyrocketed in California since 2011. And while solar can be a great way to reduce or eliminate electricity bills, unfortunately, many companies that offer sales and installation can be less than honest.
The good news is that you have protections under California law when fraud occurs. With the help of solar fraud attorney Raphael Davis, you can formally file for compensation for a variety of fraud-related losses and expenses.
What Is Solar Panel Fraud?
Solar panel fraud occurs when an installation company misleads you about pricing, fees, savings, possible tax liens, or installs solar panels that don’t work properly. Fraud may also occur if you are promised that the panels can be safely installed on your home, only to find that they are causing structural damage.
As more Californians become eager to save money on utilities, the number of fraudulent actors (and the types of fraud committed) have increased, as well.
Common Solar Sales Scams
Fake “Free Solar” Government Program Pitches: Companies may advertise “free” installation or “free” solar panels, supposedly as part of a government green initiative. In reality, you’re being tricked into an expensive, $0-down lease that involves very high, hidden fees.
Misrepresented Savings: This occurs when companies exaggerate the money that you may save long-term. While some homeowners may ultimately pay nothing for electricity thanks to solar panels, this will not be true for every household.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): In a PPA structure, a third-party company owns and maintains the panels, while you agree to buy power from them for lower costs per kW than you’d pay for grid-based power. While this system is technically legal, the terms of the contract and total fees may not be clearly stated, potentially constituting fraud.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Liens On Your Home: When you install solar panels on your home with the help of a PACE loan, the loan debt stays with the property, not with you. This can make your home more difficult to sell, will increase property taxes, and can even lead to foreclosure if the higher property taxes become unaffordable.
Unfortunately, some solar companies may use deceptive, fraudulent sales tactics to trick homeowners into a PACE loan without explaining the long-term consequences or impacts.
Rushed Or Forged E-Signatures: If you were rushed into electronically signing for a solar system or were signed up for a system without your consent through a forged signature, fraud has likely occurred. Reach out to an attorney for representation should fees and costs be far higher than what you were promised, or if you are now paying for panels you never signed for personally.
Solar Installation Fraud
The installation process itself can involve negligent practices that may constitute fraud if unaddressed. This might include defective or incomplete installation, panels that don’t produce the energy promised, damage to your roof, or solar systems that never turn on.
California Laws That Protect Homeowners
California’s Home Solicitation Sales Act allows you to cancel your door-to-door solar contract within three business days, or within five business days if you are 65 or older.
If pricing, panel capabilities, or terms were misrepresented to you at signing, you may have a legal path to cancel the contract even if extra time has gone by; speak to an attorney for guidance.
California’s Unfair Competition Law protects you from misleading, deceptive, untrue, and unfair sales tactics or advertisements.
Finally, the Consumer Legal Remedies Act makes it illegal for companies to misrepresent their goods or services, falsely claim their goods or services have approval or sponsorship, and advertise discounts or economic benefits that do not exist.
Under one or more of these laws, you may have the right to recover damages due to solar fraud.
What You May Be Able To Recover
With the help of solar fraud lawyer Raphael Davis, you may be able to legally cancel a fraudulent contract entirely, freeing you from further payments.
You may also be able to clear any PACE liens against your property, recover the value of payments you have already made, recover the costs linked to property damage, recover legal fees, and halt payments during the duration of your case.
However, it’s important for you to reach out for legal help before you halt payments to help protect your legal rights and fraud claim.
How Raphael Davis Can Help
Attorney Raphael Davis will gather the details of how you came to sign your solar contract, review the text of the contract itself, and review any advertising or promotional material provided by the solar company prior to or during installation.
He’ll go above and beyond to identify every California consumer protection law that applies to your case, communicate directly with the solar company, and help you negotiate for a canceled contract, cleared lien, and any other damages you are entitled to.
You don’t have to stay stuck with rising fees, hidden costs, or faulty panels. Allow attorney Raphael Davis to review your case and lend his legal help.
About Attorney Raphael Davis
Since 2017, attorney Raphael Davis has helped consumers protect their rights, understand the law, and settle disputes. A former firefighter and coach, he’s proud to bring his diverse background, skill sets, and commitment to his clients to every legal issue they face.
If you need help protecting yourself from consumer fraud, allow Raphael Davis to help you get started by booking a free initial consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Signs will vary, but if rates and fees are higher than you were promised, if solar panels are not working properly, if your home is sustaining damage (such as roof damage) due to the panels, or if your property taxes are increasing due to a hidden PACE lien, reach out for legal help.
A: For help canceling your solar contract, reach out to Raphael Davis. It’s best to get an attorney’s guidance with this process, as it will require careful, legally astute communication with the solar company, negotiations, and an in-depth understanding of both the contract and California anti-fraud law.
Do not simply cease making solar panel / solar system payments if you suspect fraud. This can hurt your claim and even lead to foreclosure risks in the case of a PACE loan-related lien. Reach out to Raphael Davis first. He may be able to halt payment requirements while your case is pending.
A: Report suspected solar panel fraud to the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Your attorney can help you draft a clear, comprehensive complaint letter detailing the alleged fraud, your experiences, and your legal and financial concerns.
Then, allow your solar fraud attorney to file a claim on your behalf to negotiate with the company for a canceled contract, repairs, and any other damages you may be entitled to.
Concerned About Solar Fraud? Reach Out To Raphael Davis
Has a solar panel company installed faulty panels, piled on hidden fees, or tricked you into a PACE loan that’s resulted in a lien? Attorney Raphael Davis has been helping consumers just like you fight back since 2017.
If you need guidance, representation, or answers after a solar system installation, please reach out for a free initial consultation today.
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