Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians about misleading ads from rooftop solar marketers containing false promises, such as free solar, free electricity and no more electric power bills.
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Consumers have reported inaccurate cost/benefit calculations, poorly designed or installed products, an inability to reach the vendor after installation, and false claims of partnership with Georgia Power and Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives made by the solar marketers.
“Solar panel installation is a significant investment, whether you buy or lease a system,” said Carr. “We strongly urge Georgians to thoroughly research whether this is the right solution for them and to confirm that the solar panel company they are considering is reputable.”
Homeowners should be aware that even with solar power panels installed, they still have to pay their electric utility provider for access to the electric grid and for electricity when their solar is not operating, such as at night, on cold winter mornings, or cloudy days.
Consumers should always confirm program and participation details before signing up for an offer.
Customers with a solar system are required to have an agreement with their electric utility company if they wish to connect their system to the electric grid or participate in a utility-sponsored solar program, so be sure to contact your electricity provider to confirm details before committing to anything.
If the seller is promising you a certain amount of savings by switching to solar, ask them to show you exactly how they came up with that figure.
Make sure calculations reflect the fixed cost or the cost of access to the electrical grid and the supplemental electricity you will still require from your regular electricity provider.
It is recommended to allow your electricity provider to provide a savings analysis based on your rate, usage pattern and actual historical energy usage.
Residential solar systems are designed to stay on your home for at least 20 years. Think about how long you are planning to stay in your home, find out how installing a system will affect your ability to sell the house, and ask if the solar company will let you transfer the contract to the new homeowner after a sale. ■