Watch Out for Cowboys When Buying Solar Panels

Solar panels can save you money, decrease your reliance on the electric companies and earn you a bit of ready cash each year. Thanks to a very generous tariff provided by the government and the unexpectedly rapid drop of prices for solar PV systems, solar panels very quickly became one of the hottest home investments of the past couple of years. And unfortunately, as happens with hot investments, the cowboys have come out from under the woodwork to reap as much of the cash windfall with as little work as possible.

These are the same folks, say consumer advocacy groups, who have in the past peddled replacement windows contracts and blacktops for driveways, usually delivering substandard products if they deliver anything at all. As often as not, these unscrupulous operators pocket the deposits and move on. The recent news about the government’s failure in its court appeal about lowering the solar panels tariff has kicked their activity into high gear. They’re using the looming change in tariff rate as a cudgel to convince wary homeowners to jump now in order to get the high 43.3p tariff rate before it goes away. The consumer advocacy groups are warning consumers to be wary of being taken in by these cowboy solar panels dealers and offering the following tips on recognizing bad actors before they cheat you.

Don’t buy solar panels from anyone knocking door to door. Reputable dealers don’t need to scare up business this way. They have plenty of customers ringing them up to make appointments.

Be wary of anyone who tries to pressure you into signing a contract for a solar PV system right away, citing the need to lock in the 43.3p tariff rate before it goes away. Unscrupulous dealers are trumpeting the recent court decision and advertising that it guarantees the 43.3p rate for solar panels until March. In fact, that’s a misrepresentation. While those who have already installed solar panels and are registered for the FiTS will receive the higher rate for 25 years, the chance that those who install solar PV between 3 November 2011 and 1 April 2012 will receive that rate for more than a few months is very slim. Don’t let it be a deciding factor in whether you purchase solar panels now or wait until you are sure of the distributor.

Check out any solar panels installer that contacts you with the REAL assurance scheme, an industry scheme set up by the Renewable Energy Association to self-regulate the industry. Reputable installers will have an MCS certification and be listed on the REAL website.

Even at the reduced tariff rates, solar panels offer an incredible investment opportunity for many homeowners. Be certain that you’re dealing with reputable installers and you’ll be sure to reap the full benefits of changing to renewable energy with a solar PV system.