How to Use this Resource

We hope the articles below help you understand your rights as a consumer. You can scroll through the titles, or sort by Practice Area or Topic. You can also use the search feature to locate information by keyword.

Flitter Milz represents people with a variety of problems involving consumer credit and collections. If you have a particular question or believe your consumer rights have been violated, Contact Us for a no cost consultation.

Solar Panel Scams

What You Should Know About the Use of E-Signatures

Electronic signatures—or e-signatures—are everywhere. We click “Agree” or type our name on a device to open bank accounts, purchase vehicles, rent apartments, or accept online terms. Before you sign electronically, here’s what to know.

Are E-Signatures as binding as an actual “Wet Ink” Signature? Not Always!

An e-signature can be as valid as a handwritten one, but only if certain rules are met. Businesses must get your consent to use electronic records. As well, they must prove you can open and read them.  Often a test file is sent to the consumer to confirm receipt. The business must also inform the consumer of the following:

1. The option to receive paper copies
2. The option to withdraw consent at anytime, and explain how to do it.
3. Whether consent applies to one deal or all future ones.
4. How to update contact information.
5. The type of device or software is needed to receive communications.

These safeguards exist so that consumers are not tricked into signing documents that may be difficult to see online or save. 

What is an “E-Signature”?     

The term “e-signature” is more than a digital image of your written signature. The law defines “electronic signature” broadly. It is any sound, symbol, or process used to show intent to sign a document. E-signatures can be:

      • Typing your name at the end of an email
      • Clicking an “I agree” button
      • Uploading an image of your handwritten signature
      • Saying “yes” in a recorded call.

The key is intent—you must intend to sign the electronic contract that your signature is applied to. But some companies may forge or copy and paste e-signatures to contracts that were never approved by the consumer. Forging an e-signature is illegal, just like forging a signature in ink on paper.

What “Metadata” Reveals

When you sign electronically, the system stores “metadata”, or hidden information that proves authenticity of the electronic document. Metadata
can show:

  • Personal information: name, email or IP address
  • Time and place: exact date, time and location when a signature was applied
  • Device details: the computer, phone, tablet, or other device used to apply the signature
  • Security codes: Digital ID that shows the file was not changed.

Metadata can even show whether a signature was forged—like proving it came from a location you had never been or device you never used.

Are ink signatures on paper documents still required? 

While e-signatures are legal on many documents, some notices, such as those listed below, are required to be delivered in paper form and signed in ink.  This is to insure that the person is fully informed and in agreement with the document.

      • Car repossession or mortgage foreclosure notices
      • Utility, insurance, or benefit cancellations
      • Eviction notices
      • Lawsuits
      • Product recalls or safety warnings
      • Documents involving hazardous materials

The Bottom Line

Be cautious.

E-signatures are fast and convenient. Used correctly, they are safe and legally binding. However, salespeople are trained to guide consumers in the purchase process and make them feel comfortable to get an e-signature on the documents they need.

Do your due diligence BEFORE e-signing
1) Take time to read all documents that are signed.
2) Get all questions answered.
3) Do not feel pressured to sign.
4) Request a paper copy of all documents showing your e-signature.
5) Maintain a complete file with all documents, handwritten notes, emails, text and phone messages.

Seek help from a qualified consumer law firm

Was your e-signature forged on a document? Were you tricked into an agreement?
Contact us.
Flitter Milz has helped many consumers across the country hold companies accountable for electronic forgery and deceptive practices in the use of
e-signatures.

For a no cost legal evaluation.
Phone:   888-668-1225
Email:    consumers@consumerslaw.com

Solar Fraud Attorney Andy Milz Appears on NPR News

August 13, 2024, NPR News — Ari Shapiro, Host, All Things Considered and Jeff Brady,  Correspondent, NPR Climate Desk

Andy Milz of Flitter Milz, a nationally recognized expert in solar panel finance fraud, was recently interviewed by NPR News for a nationally-aired report concluding — Rooftop solar has a fraud problem. Andy offers advice for avoiding sales fraud when considering solar panels for your home.

Click the link to listen to the program or read the program transcript below.  https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-4926495/thinking-about-solar-here-are-some-things-to-consider

NPR Transcript: “Thinking about solar?  Here are some things to consider”

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Just the other day, I got a piece of mail telling me, your property qualifies for free solar panels. It had a photo of my house and everything – kind of creepy. This is a sign of something happening all over the country. Solar power is booming, and that helps meet the country’s climate goals. At the same time, customer complaints are also growing about the part of the industry that installs solar panels on homes. NPR’s Jeff Brady has spent the last few months looking into this. And, Jeff, what’s the big lesson that you’ve learned from your reporting?

JEFF BRADY, BYLINE: You know, the really big concern here is high-pressure sales. Not all companies use them, but if you’re thinking about solar power, you’re going to need to be prepared for that. And the example of this that really sticks with me is a 91-year-old man, Emanuel Minto. He immigrated from Jamaica. He retired as a machinist and paid off his house in northeast Philadelphia. When I visited him in his tidy front yard, Minto’s lawyer was there to meet me.

ANDY MILZ: Mr. Minto, Jeff Brady from NPR News.

BRADY: Hi – nice to meet you.

EMANUEL MINTO: Sir.

BRADY: A year and a half ago, Minto says, a door-to-door salesman approached him, offering a government program to help senior citizens save on their electric bills.

MINTO: So I said, well, that would be good.

BRADY: But there was no such program. Minto has solar panels, but a lawsuit claims the salesman created an email address for him and forged his name on an electronic contract for a 25-year loan for the installation. Now Minto also has a lien on his house.

That salesman worked for GraySquare Solar. Owner Tim Koontz disputes many of the facts in the case, though he confirms the salesman created an email address for Minto. Koontz says there are safeguards to prevent what Minto claims and accuses the elderly Minto of scamming him.

TIM KOONTZ: I feel like I’m the one being defrauded. I feel like this is a hustle to try and get money.

BRADY: Minto’s attorney, Andy Milz, says GraySquare didn’t even respond to the lawsuit, and a default was entered against it. Milz specializes in solar fraud and says many door-to-door salespeople carry an iPad with electronic contracts. He says, be careful because some dishonest salespeople have taken electronic initials and signatures and copied and pasted them to other contracts.

MILZ: Don’t be bullied into touching their device, whether it be an iPad or a cellular phone. Take the time to review the documents in the comfort of your own home.

BRADY: Milz says you can request a paper contract, and reputable solar salespeople won’t have a problem with this. Another person I talked with is Tiffani Krieg of Mesa, Ariz. She put off for a couple of months a salesperson who calls herself Solar Sandy. Then one evening, Krieg’s family was in their driveway, headed out to see a movie.

TIFFANI KRIEG: My husband looks at the rearview, and he’s like, oh, Sandy’s here. I’m like, Sandy? And she’s got her Range Rover parked, like, you know, making a T so we can’t get out of our driveway. So she jumps in the backseat, like, with the kids.

BRADY: Krieg says Sandy said to secure a low interest rate, the family had to act now. Consumer advocates say creating urgency is a common sales tactic, and you should never feel pressured to make a decision about such a big purchase. I talked with Solar Sandy, whose name is Sandra Cordero. She didn’t want to do a recorded interview. She disputes some of Krieg’s story and confirms a lot of it. Cordero says she didn’t do anything wrong and has hundreds of satisfied customers.

SHAPIRO: Reporting there from NPR’s Jeff Brady, who is still with us. Jeff, you are making me think I should not respond to that flyer I got in the mail. But what should a person do who might be interested in going solar but doesn’t want to get scammed? How do you find the salespeople who aren’t going to use high-pressure tactics?

BRADY: Well, you probably want to avoid the solar companies that find you, either, you know, at your front door or maybe at a local big-box store. They’re more likely to practice these high-pressure sales tactics. And some of these companies only do sales. A different company will actually install the panels. And the experts I talked with say it’s better to work directly with an installation company. They suggest you find someone that’s been in business in your community for years. A lot of these installers, they, you know, survive on word-of-mouth advertising. So you can ask neighbors and friends, people who already have solar panels, for recommendations.

SHAPIRO: If people aren’t getting government subsidies, these solar panels can be really expensive. What’s the best advice for people who are going to pay for this?

BRADY: Sure. Most people can’t afford to put out 20 or $30,000 for solar panels. So about 85% of these systems are financed. You need to get at least three quotes and ask each company to give you quotes for financing and for paying cash. You want to compare those numbers because some companies include hidden fees in the cost of a system just so they can offer a cheap interest rate. And these fees, they’re significant. The solar marketing firm EnergySage says fees for the most popular loan averaged 47% for the last half of 2023.

SHAPIRO: Wow.

BRADY: Yeah, that adds thousands of dollars in cost, even if the interest rate you get is relatively low, so you may be better off finding financing on your own.

SHAPIRO: But there are federal tax credits to help pay for solar panels, right? How do those work?

BRADY: Yeah, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit, and some states have incentives on top of that. But one thing about tax credits – you need to owe taxes to take advantage of them, and not all salespeople will tell you that. Cameron Holly in the Dallas area learned this. He expected a check from the IRS for about $14,000, but his family didn’t owe that much in taxes, so he only got back about 2,500.

CAMERON HOLLY: Honestly, I do feel deceived, you know, because the way it was always worded in our conversations with the salespeople was that we would get this tax credit on our next filing.

BRADY: And Holly says he planned to use that money to pay off credit cards and take a family vacation. So the best advice is, you know, talk with the tax person rather than a salesperson about these tax credits.

SHAPIRO: And what if someone listens to this and decides solar is not right for them, or they live in a rental and can’t install solar? What then?

BRADY: Yeah, solar is not right for a lot of us. My house is surrounded by big trees that shade the roof, so solar won’t work here. You know, if helping climate change and saving money are your goals, you can try using less energy, and if the options out there today aren’t right for you, they might be next year, so keep checking in. The energy world is changing fast right now.

SHAPIRO: That’s Jeff Brady of NPR’s climate desk. Thank you.

BRADY: Thank you.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Pictured: Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right)

Flitter Milz attorneys have helped hundreds of families who have been victimized by shady solar sales.  If you have been defrauded in a solar sale, we may be able to help.  Hidden contracts, forged signatures, illicit credit inquiries, suspicious email accounts, elder exploitation, and other bad acts can give rise for a case under the consumer protection laws.  Contact us! 

Don’t get scammed on Solar Panels: 4 Financial Red Flags

“Don’t get scammed on solar panels: 4 Financial Red Flags”
March 12, 2024  CNET

Some common traps could leave you stuck with a bad deal for decades when entering a contract for solar panels. Nationally recognized consumer protection attorney Andy Milz of Flitter Milz in Narberth, PA, was interviewed recently on CNET for an article and offered 4 Financial Red Flags to potential solar panel customers.

Red Flag #1.
Demand to see contract documents BEFORE signing.

Frequently solar customers never get the chance to review a solar financing contract before signing or whose signatures were forged without their knowledge.  It can be easy for these things to happen when a solar sales person is seated at your dining room table, quickly tapping through terms on an iPad.  “Solar customers are entitled to see a contract and take the time to review it.  This ensures that the customer can read all the fine print, understand the payment terms, and avoid any financial surprises later,” says Milz.

Red Flag #2.
Talk to a tax professional about any promised tax incentives.

There are a lot of federal and state-level financial incentives for solar panels right now, promising thousands of dollars off the price of a solar system.  But homeowners are eligible for those only if they’re buying (i.e. owning) the panels.  “That’s something that’s confusing to the average consumer,” said Milz.  If you’re leasing or getting panels through a power-purchase agreement, you won’t benefit from the incentives, so be wary of any solar installer who tells you otherwise.

Red Flag #3.
Beware of an arbitration clause in the loan or lease agreement

Many solar financing or lease contracts contain something called an “arbitration clause,” according to Milz.  “When you sign this, you as the customer essentially give up your right to go to court in the event that the solar company rips you off.  Any claims you make will instead be subject to a private “arbitration” system that usually benefits the solar company.”

It may not always be possible to avoid having this in your contract, but you should at least be aware of what you’re getting yourself into.

Red Flag #4.
Watch out for ‘Teaser Rates’

A common tactic by solar companies is to attract customers with a ‘teaser rate’ which promises low upfront payments that increase, sometimes drastically, over time.  In some cases, the installer is assuming you’ll receive a chunk of money from a government incentive and put that toward the payment of your panels, otherwise the monthly payments will jack up.  “Folks are often caught off guard by that, ” says Milz.

Escalator clauses, which gradually increase your payment by a small percentage each year, are quite common, but again you’ll want to be aware of what you’re getting into.

Most Important Tip: Slow Down!

Do your own research and comparison shop.  There is no rush.  The deal the salesman proposes today will still be there next week.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Pictured: Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right)

Flitter Milz attorneys have helped hundreds of families who have been victimized by shady solar sales.  If you have been defrauded in a solar sale, we may be able to help.  Hidden contracts, forged signatures, illicit credit inquiries, suspicious email accounts, elder exploitation, and other bad acts can give rise for a case under the consumer protection laws.  Contact us! 

Solar Fraudsters Target Elderly

Our firm gets a lot of calls from consumers who are senior citizens, or from their children, after they have realized that the “free” solar panel deal they were promised is nothing of the sort.

Maybe the consumer got the first bill from the solar company and wondered “what’s this?” Or, perhaps the consumer tried to sell the home and learned the solar company has a lien on it from a solar installation.  Maybe they’ve only just learned of a 25-year contract with ever-increasing prices because it was sent to a bad email address or one the distraught solar customer never had or used.

Common Deceptive Statements in Solar Sales

Every week, we hear similar complaints from consumers who met with a solar sales representative and felt taken. Statements such as the following may be deceptive or outright false:
– “The salesman said it was a government program to help seniors save money…”
– “The salesman said the panels would be free and wouldn’t cost me anything…”
– “I was told I’d have no more electric bills…”

But that does not stop aggressive door-to-door solar salesmen from using them in their pitch to older consumers.

Were you promised a Federal Solar Tax Credit?

Salespeople are likely to tout a 30% federal solar tax credit (for 2023). Consumers must be careful, this is not cash or a refund, but rather a tax credit to count against the taxes you pay.  Some seniors pay only minimal taxes or no taxes at all (if, for instance, their sole income is Social Security) and may not benefit at all from this promised “government program.”  Other times, the company keeps the tax credit for itself.

Were you told there would be No Upfront Costs?

Salesmen also like to tout a “no cost installation” or “no upfront cost” because this makes it sound like the consumer is getting the solar panels for free.  That is not the case.  With programs like solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), it is the solar company, not the consumer, who owns the panels that are installed on the roof.

Do I pay for the energy produced by the panels?

While the solar company may not charge upfront for the panels and the installation, the consumer is bound to pay for the energy that’s produced by the panels at ever-increasing rates – sometimes for 25-years or more – forcing some elderly consumers to pay expensive rates until they’re over 100 years old.  All the while, they are still obligated to pay their electric bill.

Why must I sign an i-Pad?

Solar sales can be expensive and burdensome to consumers.  Solar salesmen know this, and that’s why they use electronically displayed and signed contract documents (instead of a paper contract that you hold and keep) with deceptive language to hide the agreement from elderly consumers by using a bum email address or making up an email address that only the sellers control.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

If you’re considering solar, make sure to read all the fine print and demand paper contract documents on the spot before you sign anything.  If a solar company cheated you, CALL US.  We may be able to help.  There is no charge for the consult and if you have a case to bring, the solar company, not the consumer, will pay any legal fees.

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that evaluates solar panel sales matters involving fraud related to forged contracts, identity theft, and credit reporting privacy violations.
Pictured: Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right).

 

Avoid Solar Panel Scams

The addition of solar panels to your home may sound like a great idea. From lower energy bills to a reduced carbon footprint, it’s the “green” thing to do.  However, you must assess whether it is the right decision for your home and your budget.

Consumers considering solar energy must take time to research the pros and cons of solar power, and then investigate the companies that sell, install and finance the panels. Do not feel pressured in to signing a contract for solar panels. Informed decisions make the best decisions.

Is the Solar Salesperson being truthful?

Many times, the sales process begins with an unsolicited call at your door.  You’re greeted by a salesperson that is personable and knowledgeable about the benefits of solar power.  They’re professional and trained to earn your trust. Most homeowners are persuaded with promises of free panels, reduced costs for energy, and low maintenance.

How did I end up in a contract for solar panels?

Maybe you aren’t completely sold on solar panels, and simply want more information about switching to solar power.  Beware. At this point of the presentation, the salesperson may casually suggest that you submit an application, just to see whether or not you qualify for solar panels. You’ll be offered an iPad or tablet to sign, and be told not to worry because you’ll receive copies of all documents by email.

Dangers of E-Signing 

Placing your signature or initials on an iPad, tablet, or phone may seem easy. However, your electronic signature or initials may be copied and affixed to a contract or other forms that you did not intend.

A signature on a contractual document or other written agreement, demonstrates that a party has read, understood and consents to the terms and conditions of the contract.

Before signing anything, insist on a paper copy of every document in advance.  Take time to read each document.  If the terms do not make sense, consult an attorney.

Written Permission to Access Credit Reports


Solar companies rely on financing to make solar panels available to consumers. Credit reports are accessed to evaluate a potential customer’s creditworthiness. The consumer must provide written permission for the solar company to obtain these reports.

If you do not want your credit accessed, do not provide your E-signature on an electronic device. That signature could be copied to a credit request form. Credit files accessed without permission could be a violation to the consumer’s rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  This federal law offers protections to consumers for the privacy and accuracy of their credit information.

Common Misrepresentations to the Consumer

Solar panels will be free.
Many salespeople tell consumers that solar panels are free. In most cases, they are not free; in fact, they can cost you $20,000 to $30,000, or more. And, you can be in a 20+ year contract to pay for the panels.  As well, the consumer will pay for electricity that is produced by the panels, usually through a lease or power purchase agreement.

Tax rebates 
Many times, the solar panel company may not want to sell you the panels. If you, the buyer, purchases the panels, you would receive the tax credit, not the solar company. If the solar company leases you panels and only promises to sell you the solar power, the solar sales company may receive the tax credit, not you, the homeowner.

Your Neighbors Are Doing It!
A popular tactic used by solar salespeople to gain credibility is to mention that your neighbor signed the same contract as the one offered to you.  Don’t feel pressured. Speak with your neighbor first and find out about his experience.

Four Important Steps to protect yourself from Scams: 

  • Research whether adding solar panels is right for you. You may wish to visit websites for the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Department of Energy
  • Evaluate the reputation of solar providers — Solar panels companies, installers and finance companies.
  • Consult consumers who have entered solar panel contracts. Visit websites for the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorney General, Federal Trade Commission, or online consumer complaint forums.
  • Review the solar panel contract. Understand the terms and financial obligation. Get answers to your questions. Once you sign, you may be on the hook for 20 years or more.

Seek Legal Help from a Qualified Consumer Law Firm

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that evaluates solar panel sales matters for potential violation of the consumer protection laws involving fraud, such as forged contracts, identity theft and credit reporting privacy violations.  Contact Us for a no cost evaluation.

Pictured:  Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right).

 

Who is Titan Solar?

Titan Solar is a door-to-door sale company that sells and installs solar products like rooftop solar panel systems.  Titan Solar teams up with finance companies like Goodleap to finance the installation through loans and power purchase agreements.

Common Complaints about Titan Solar

In online complaints, Titan Solar has been accused of engaging in predatory marketing and of misrepresenting facts.  Sometimes, Titan Solar is accused of not informing the customer that installation is conditioned upon agreeing to a decades-long loan or power purchase agreement, and the contract might be hidden from the consumer.  Titan Solar’s finance company partner may also pull your credit report without your permission.

Impermissible Credit Pull

Doesn’t a company need your consent to pull your credit report?
Generally, yes.  If you did not consent to your credit being pulled, the company that did so must have some other legitimate business purpose for pulling your credit.  Often, during the process of applying for new credit or utilities, or interviewing with a prospective employer or landlord, there may be a request to access the consumer’s credit file. The consumer must provide written permission for his or her credit file to be accessed.

Consumer Rights for Impermissible Credit Pull
When a credit report has been accessed without the consumer’s permission, there may have been a violation to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  The FCRA is a federal law governing how consumer credit information can be used and distributed.  Consumers may dispute inaccurate information and inquire about companies who accessed their credit file that they do not recognize.

Check your Credit and Dispute Errors
Before applying for new credit, consumers should obtain current copies of their reports from the three main bureaus – Transunion, Experian and Equifax. The reports should be viewed for accuracy and privacy.  If errors or unfamiliar information is listed, written disputes should be sent to the credit bureau through the US Mail.  The bureaus have 30 days to respond.

Disadvantage of Hard Pulls on Credit Report

If there was a “hard pull” of your credit report, it could harm your credit standing going forward. Hard pulls will stay on your credit file for two years, and as a result over that time period, you might lose out on other job, housing, or credit opportunities.

Lenders evaluate the number of hard inquiries that appear on a consumer’s credit reports during the credit application review process. Although hard inquiries represent one factor in the calculation of credit scores, too many hard inquiries in a short time could impact scores negatively and jeopardize the approval of a new credit application.

 

Better Business Bureau Complaints about Titan Solar

Hundreds of consumers have complained about Titan Solar’s business practices to the Better Business Bureau. As of the date of this writing, customers on the Better Business Bureau site have rated Titan Solar 1.87 stars out of five. Some consumers have made the following types of complaints:

  • Never saw, signed for, or received a contract or loan agreement.
  • Were signed up for a loan without giving permission.
  • Were sold more panels that needed for the home
  • Poor performance resulting in higher energy costs.

Protect Yourself from Solar Panel Sales Scams

Consumers must use caution while considering a solar power contract. If there are problems, address them quickly whether they’re with the solar sales company, the panel installer, or the finance company.  Otherwise the results can be devastating and put you in thousands of dollars in debt.  Solar panel loans or power purchase agreements can last for 20 or 25 years, resulting in burdensome monthly payments on top of an expensive electricity bill.

Contact an Experienced Consumer Protection Law Firm

Did Titan Solar reach out to you to have solar panels installed without disclosing the existence of a loan or power purchase agreement?  Has a Titan Solar salesperson offered you “free” solar panels without mentioning a loan?  Have you received an alert that your credit has been pulled, and you never gave permission to the salesperson to do so?  If the answer to any of these questions is yes, contact Flitter Milz for a no cost legal evaluation. Pictured: Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right).

Thinking of Going Solar? Do your homework.

Most households are looking for ways to reduce costs.  Today, utilizing the sun’s power has become an enticing option. Lowering monthly energy bills and  contributing to a green environment are common reasons that homeowners opt for solar power.  But, choosing to add solar panels to your home is not a casual decision.  It requires research, investigation and planning.

Is my home suitable for solar panels?

There are pros and cons to every decision a homeowner makes.  Like any other investment, going solar may not make sense for every home.  After gathering facts, you need to evaluate:

  1. Energy usage for the home.  How much power must be generated to satisfy the needs of people in the home.
  2. Condition of the roof.  Does the roof need repair or to be replaced? Can my roof handle the weight of panels?
  3. Location of the home.  Am I in the right climate for solar panels?
  4. Sunlight v. Shade.  Does my roof get enough sunlight throughout the day to produce the power needed for my home?  Do trees need to be removed from my property for panels to work efficiently?
  5. Panel configuration.  Does my roof have enough space for solar panels?

Shopping Solar Companies & Financing

Similar to purchasing other items for the home, when considering solar panels, homeowners must shop around, get quotes, and investigate solar panel companies to compare one offer from another. There are a wide variety of products on the market with varying levels of efficiency, durability, reliability, output and design. As well, there are a number of solar companies and installers — some are better than others. Check the company’s reputation to see if complaints been filed against them with the Federal Trade Commission, State Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau?  Also, searching court dockets for lawsuits that have been filed against solar panel companies or their finance companies may provide insight to issues that other consumer’s have faced involving solar transactions.

CAUTION #1:  Is “Free” really free?

Frequently, we hear about door-to-door solar salesman telling homeowners that the solar panels will be free. After listening to a sales presentation and learning

of the benefits of solar power, the consumer is presented an iPad or tablet to sign, believing their signature gives the salesman  permission to evaluate the property for panels.  However,  the signature, or initials, on an iPad may authorize the solar company, without the consumer’s knowledge, to:

 

-Access the consumer’s credit file.
-Utilize the signature on documents that are Doc-U-Signed
-Enter the consumer in to a contract for solar panels
-Submit applications to finance the panels.

It’s not until panels have been installed on the home and bills begin to arrive that the consumer realizes solar panels are anything but free. Instead, many consumers find that they signed into a decades-long financial commitment which can last for 20 -25 years for the panels.  Bills from the local energy provider plus the cost of solar panels make the total cost of energy burdensome. All of a sudden, homeowners finds themselves in thousands of dollars of debt when they thought the panels were for free.

CAUTION #2:  Is the solar company reputable?

Before making a commitment to get panels, investigate reviews from other consumers. Obtain quotes from multiple solar companies for comparison. Then decide which company is best for you. For example, do I get panels from SunPower, Momentum Solar or Tesla?  Which company offers the product I want to buy?  Which company is presenting me with the best system for my home? What types of problems have other consumers faced when getting panels from one company versus another?

CAUTION #3: Why did the solar company access my credit report?

Prospective lenders for solar panels, such as banks, credit unions and financial institutions, seek access to the homeowner’s credit reports to determine whether to extend credit. This can only be done with the consumer’s written permission. When reports are accessed without the consumer’s permission, the consumer’s rights may have been violated. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that governs the privacy and accuracy of credit reports.  If you do not want your reports accessed, do not sign anything that would grant permission.

CAUTION #4: How do I pay for the solar power system?

If you don’t have cash on hand to pay for the system, you must evaluate whether to lease, enter a power purchase agreement (PPA) or finance the system through a solar loan.

The benefit of entering a solar lease or PPA is that costs are not paid upfront. The solar company owns the system on your roof and monthly payments are made to them for the energy generated by the panels.

Solar loans work like other home improvement loans. The loan is taken out through a finance company with monthly payments made to the lender for the purchase of the system.  Just like researching the solar company, homeowners must research the best way to finance the solar power system. There are several companies, such as Goodleap, Mosaic, or Sunlight Financial, that offer loans for solar panels. But ask yourself, which one offers the best terms for me?

For instance: Who is Goodleap?

Formerly known as Loanpal, Goodleap is a finance company that provides loans for solar products like rooftop solar panel systems. Goodleap teams up with door-to-door sales companies who sometimes entice people to sign up for “free” solar panels. Hundreds of consumers have complained about Loanpal/Goodleap’s business practices to the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau has rated Loanpal an “F.” From customer reviews, Loanpal received only one out of five stars. In fact, some consumers complain that they never saw or signed a contract. When faced with accusations that the solar panel salesperson engaged in fraud — such as signing up a consumer for a loan without their knowledge or consent — Goodleap has attempted to distance itself from the solar panel company.

The salesperson won’t even tell you that Goodleap needs to pull your credit report for a loan.  Your “consent” may have been buried in documents that were Doc-U-Signed on the iPad or tablet. And although you may have been promised copies of anything you signed, you never received them. Often, you won’t learn about the existence of any loan papers until the solar panels have been installed on your home.  Remember, it is fraudulent and unlawful for anyone to be signed up for a loan without written consent.

How to protect yourself when considering solar 

  • Get a copy of the contract and read it carefully before signing. There is no rush for you to enter into a deal.
  • Never give out personal information – bank account numbers, birth dates, Social Security Number – to a door-to-door salesman you just met.
  • Monitor your credit. It is illegal for a solar company to make a hard inquiry on your credit report without a permissible purpose. You must provide written authorization for someone to access your credit file.
  • Visit websites for the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, State Attorney General, and the Better Business Bureau for insight on solar energy scams.

Seek Legal Help from a Qualified Consumer Law Firm

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that evaluates solar panel sales matters for potential violation of the consumer laws involving fraud, such as forged contracts, identity theft and credit reporting privacy violations.  Contact Us

Pictured:  Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right).

Solar panels on your home — an advantage or not?

Solar energy can provide benefits to many homeowners — from the financial reward of savings on energy bills, to the ecological benefits of  “going green”. While some folks may see a home with a solar power system as an added benefit, others may find it undesirable.

Regardless, the consideration of solar power and panels for the home requires research. Homeowners must explore the variety of products, evaluate the best system for the needs of the household, investigate cost savings, compare finance and/or lease terms, and finally, determine whether adding a solar system is right for their budget.

Is solar power is right for you?

Before contacting a solar sales company, the homeowner should take time to evaluate whether adding solar panels to the home would provide enough financial benefit, plus meet the energy needs of the household. Factors for consideration are: house size, roof — condition and dimensions, climate zone, community regulations, local electricity rates and government incentives. As well, the homeowner may contemplate the following:

Current energy usage?

Am I using my energy wisely?  Will solar panels reduce my monthly energy bill?
Review your energy bill for usage.  Determine ways that may reduce the current expense such as, changing light bulbs; installing dimmers; fixing a leaking faucet; repairing ductwork. Understand your cost of energy and how much you might save by changing to solar.

Sunlight Exposure?  

Does my roof get enough sunlight throughout the year?

Evaluate the sun’s path during daylight hours.  How many hours of the day does the roof get sunlight?  Calculate the number of hours that your roof is shaded.  Does the sun/shade ratio change from season-to-season?  Would solar panels provide the same benefit throughout the year?

Roof Condition?

Does the roof need repair before adding solar panels?
Does the roof and/or shingles require repair or replacement before installation of panels? Will the roof handle the weight of solar panels?  Shall I contact an independent roofer to evaluate the roof’s condition?

 

Tree Removal?

Do I need to remove trees to create more sunlight for my home?

Review landscaping around the property for sun exposure to the roof.  Will panels get enough sunlight to perform at maximum efficiency?  Consult with an arborist to estimate tree growth over a 25 year period and the impact of sunlight over the seasons. Will trees require removal or transplant?

Is solar power free?

Often, prospective customers for solar systems are told the panels will be free.  But, we must know, there is no such thing as a free lunch…and in this case, no such thing as free solar panels.  Customers will pay for the electricity that is produced by the panels, usually under a solar lease or power purchase agreement.  What is the difference?

Solar Panel Lease
A solar lease is a contractual agreement between the homeowner and the solar energy company for installation of solar panels on the roof of the home.  Usually, there is no down payment and the solar company is responsible for maintenance. The homeowner makes monthly payments to the solar leasing company at a fixed monthly amount or sells the electricity generated from the panels at a set price per Kilowatt-hour. The solar company is also entitled to all the rebates, tax breaks and incentives for solar power.  Solar leases typically last 20 – 25 years.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A Power Purchase Agreement is an arrangement in which the solar company plans for the design, permitting, financing and installation of a solar energy system on a customer’s property.  The homeowner does not own the hardware — the panels or inverter. The solar company sells the power generated to the homeowner at a fixed rate that is typically lower than the local utility’s retail rate. This lower electricity price serves to offset the customer’s purchase of electricity from the grid while the solar company receives the income from the sale of electricity as well as any tax credits and other incentives generated from the system.

PPAs typically range from 10 to 25 years and the solar company usually places a lien on the property.  The solar company remains responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system for the duration of the agreement. At the end of the PPA contract term, a customer may be able to extend the PPA, have the solar system removed or choose to buy the solar energy system from them.

Buying, Selling or Refinancing a Home with Solar Panels

Before entering an agreement for a solar power system, whether as an initial purchase, refinancing an existing contract, or purchasing a home with an existing system, you, the consumer, must obtain a copy of the solar panel contract. Take time to review the terms of the agreement. If you need clarification, consult with a real estate agent or real estate attorney for explanation of your legal and financial obligation.  Determine whether this agreement is right for you by evaluating:
-Monthly cost for panels
-Monthly cost for power
-Full term of lease or finance agreement.
Common questions:
-Ask whether you are able to assume the solar contract from the seller?
-Find out if the panels were purchased or leased.
-Inquire whether there is a lien on the property for the panels?
-Must the lien be satisfied before the sale?
-Does the solar panel contract allow for transfer to a new home buyer?
-Does the warranty transfer to the new home buyer?

Seek Legal Help from a Qualified Consumer Law Firm

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that evaluates solar panel sales matters for potential violation of the consumer laws involving fraud, such as forged contracts, identity theft and credit reporting privacy violations.  Contact Us

Pictured:  Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right).

 

Are Solar Panels Really Free? Things To Look Out For During Solar Sales

There may be a knock on your door by a friendly solar panel sales representative. You may be informed of the benefits of solar power and that by choosing to get panels for your home they would be ‘free’.

Remember the old adage – ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch.’

Free Doesn’t Mean Free or ‘No-Cost’

A solar company sales representative may inform you that by signing up for solar power, you won’t have to pay for the panels themselves — they will be given to you for free.

The trouble is that you will still end up paying each month toward a lengthy contract which could last up to a quarter century. Basically, a solar lease, or solar power purchase agreement (PPA), closely resembles a home mortgage in contract duration than it would an automotive loan. (Think long-term versus short-term).

Solar Leases or PPAs: What Is The Difference? 

Solar Lease. If you opt to enter into a solar panel lease, you contractually agree to pay a monthly fee for the ability to essentially rent the solar system from a third-party vendor.  So, while the sales representative may tell you that by signing up you are getting the solar panels for ‘free,’ you are still locked into a contract for a system that you will have to pay toward for several years.

Power Purchase Agreement. The other model is a PPA, which is where the homeowner chooses to purchase power directly from the solar power company at a certain rate. In this type of arrangement, the solar companies typically make out better financially than the individual consumer, since the company can take advantage of certain tax credits and monetary benefits, being that they are technically the ‘owner’ of the system, while the individual customer still has to pay for a system that isn’t actually theirs.

The ‘Free’ Panels Aren’t Yours

Because both of these types of arrangements – a lease and a PPA – involve paying for electricity-generating equipment over a lengthy contract period, those ‘free’ panels that you were promised may be anything but. Once installed on your home’s roof, you will still end up paying toward an entire system that is leased or rented, for a number of years. In the end, the savings you may reap from the solar generated electricity itself may not be enough to make up for those ‘free’ panels.

Be Cautious…Be Patient…No need to act today.

Many door-to-door solar sales representatives often ask the consumer to make quick, on-the-spot decisions about obtaining solar power for the home. It is not unusual for the homeowner to feel pressured and the need to act immediately.

 

 

Before signing anything consider the following:

1.  Insist that the salesperson provide paper copies of contracts and documents
2.  Read every document that requires your signature or initials.
3.  Get all of your questions answered.
4.  Get all of the salesperson’s promises in writing.
5.  Seek advice from a trusted advisor.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm experienced in evaluating fraudulent sales tactics, such as forgery, identity theft and unauthorized credit pulls by solar panel salesmen. If you feel as though you may have been scammed into leasing a home solar system, Contact Flitter Milz today for a no-cost consultation.

Solar Power – The Wave of the Future? Beware of scams.

Solar power can be an exciting and environmentally-friendly way to “go green” while potentially saving money on your electric bills.  Often consumers view the change to solar power for their home as an investment in the future with benefits for generations to come.  But before you or your family chooses solar, you should determine if solar is right for you and your home.

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