How This Scam Works
Solar reps appear at your door (or via social media) with a tablet showing your "estimated savings" — often based on your utility bill alone, without checking roof condition, shading, orientation, or your actual tax liability for the ITC. They quote a "monthly payment" that sounds lower than your current electric bill — but don't mention that utility rates are excluded from that comparison, that the loan includes a dealer fee baked into the system cost, or that the "savings" assume utility rates rise at 5% annually forever. Some contracts include a provision that voids the deal if you refinance your home.
Warning Signs
- Unsolicited door-to-door visit; high-pressure "sign tonight" urgency
- Savings shown without reviewing your actual utility bills and tax returns
- They quote monthly payment but not total system cost or loan APR
- No site assessment for shading, roof condition, or orientation
- Contract references "solar lien" or UCC-1 financing statement on your home
- Dealer fee isn't clearly disclosed (often $5,000–$10,000 added to system cost)
- Promise of "free" solar — it's a loan, not a gift
What To Do Instead
Never sign at the door. Get three quotes from local installers, verify their NABCEP certification, and have your tax advisor confirm your actual ITC eligibility before assuming the full 30% credit applies. Ask every installer: "What's the total cash price, and what's the loan APR including dealer fees?"
Texas has a 3-business-day right of rescission for door-to-door sales contracts (Business & Commerce Code §601). If you signed at the door, you have 3 days to cancel in writing.