As the popularity of rooftop solar grows, federal agencies are warning of solar industry “scams.”
The Treasury Department posted a new advisory on its website Wednesday, noting scams are illegal and providing tips to solar power consumers on how to avoid dishonest sales practices and identify bad actors. The Federal Trade Commission simultaneously posted an online portal for consumers to report incidents of being cheated or misled by solar companies.
Treasury, the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also launched a partnership Wednesday to better coordinate the government’s approach to protecting solar consumers. Lina Khan, commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, said the alliance will help in “turbo-charging” state-led consumer protection efforts.
“[We’re] making sure people are on alert about these scams,” said Khan on a call with reporters Wednesday announcing the new guidelines. “We’re making it very clear and very easy for people to submit complaints … and tell the government.”
