New Solar Energy Education Information for Consumers

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is offering new resources to help consumers make an informed decision when considering solar energy for their home.

SCDCA will offer a free webinar “Thinking About Solar?” on Wednesday, August 26 at 10:30 a.m. The presentation will give an overview of the laws regarding solar contracts and provide tips to help you make informed decisions. Register here to watch/listen from any computer.

Here are some key things to know before signing on the dotted line:

Know who you’re doing business with. Background a business. Ask friends, family and neighbors for references. Get bids from at least three companies. Make sure they are certified with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff. Use SCDCA’s Search Complaints tool to see if complaints have been filed against a company.
Know your rights. Before you buy a solar system, the company must provide two documents. The marketing pamphlet (PDF) explains your rights and responsibilities, important solar terms and questions to ask. The disclosure statement (PDF) gives important details about the contract. Consumers have 10 days to cancel a solar energy contract without paying any fees or penalties.
Know the red flags. You can spot a scammer easily because they always make big promises they can’t deliver on. With solar, you might hear: “You’ll never have another utility bill” or “You’ll automatically get a tax rebate from the government!” Remember, scammers demand that you pay in a specific way. That’s usually cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps.

Visit SCDCA’s new web page for more tips on researching a company, consumer rights, solar scams and how to file a complaint.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has more than fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.

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