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Rooftop solar has a fraud problem. The industry is working to build back trust [View all]
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/14/1244330369/solar-rooftop-panels-environment-fraud-deceptionRooftop solar has a fraud problem. The industry is working to build back trust
AUGUST 14, 2024 5:15 AM ET
Jeff Brady
PHILADELPHIA — The solar power industry is booming and that growth helps the world meet its climate goals by replacing fossil fuels. But an emerging problem in the U.S. solar business that installs panels on homes risks slowing the effort to cut the country’s emissions.
Customer complaints against the country’s residential rooftop solar industry have increased dramatically in recent years. One-star ratings on Solar Reviews increased more than 1,000% since 2018. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements. Some customers say they were victims of fraud and forgery. This threatens rooftop solar’s impressive momentum. Now, some solar companies are working to repair the industry’s reputation.
[...]
“We think that having rooftop solar is good for the environment and does save people money. We don't want people deceived, though,” says Adam Welle, a lawyer with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office who is pursuing a case against solar financing companies.
Beyond the industry’s reputation, real people – many of them already financially vulnerable – have been hurt.
[...]
AUGUST 14, 2024 5:15 AM ET
Jeff Brady
PHILADELPHIA — The solar power industry is booming and that growth helps the world meet its climate goals by replacing fossil fuels. But an emerging problem in the U.S. solar business that installs panels on homes risks slowing the effort to cut the country’s emissions.
Customer complaints against the country’s residential rooftop solar industry have increased dramatically in recent years. One-star ratings on Solar Reviews increased more than 1,000% since 2018. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements. Some customers say they were victims of fraud and forgery. This threatens rooftop solar’s impressive momentum. Now, some solar companies are working to repair the industry’s reputation.
[...]
“We think that having rooftop solar is good for the environment and does save people money. We don't want people deceived, though,” says Adam Welle, a lawyer with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office who is pursuing a case against solar financing companies.
Beyond the industry’s reputation, real people – many of them already financially vulnerable – have been hurt.
[...]
12 replies
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