Avoiding Solar Scams
Tips for Avoiding Scams and Selecting a Contractor
As the solar industry in the New Braunfels area has grown, deceptive or fraudulent sales tactics have unfortunately also increased. A solar photovoltaic installation is a big investment, and it’s important to make sure you select a reputable solar contractor to complete your installation.
Be Aware of Scams
We’ve received many reports of customers paying exorbitant prices for solar systems packaged with other energy improvements or with predatory financing terms. Additionally, salespeople have misrepresented themselves as NBU employees when visiting customers door-to-door or made claims about state policies or incentives that don’t exist. Others might try to get you to sign a contract when they first meet you.
We recommend using the resources on this page to learn how to be aware of predatory practices in the solar industry.
How to Spot a Solar Scam
No. While solar generation can save money, depending on the current cost of energy, customers will still receive a monthly NBU bill. Included in the bill will be a monthly Delivery Point Charge of $1.58/kW of system size, along with the Electric Service Availability Charge of $20.00 and charges for any other services you may have (water, wastewater).
If someone selling solar tells you that they work for NBU, or that they represent NBU, or that they are a “preferred” company for NBU, they are not telling you the truth.
- NBU does not sell solar panels, at all. Check NBU’s List of Participating Contractors to ensure the installer follows NBU’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Requirements to sell you solar.
If someone says you can go off-grid by installing solar or that you will not receive electric bills anymore, they are trying to trick you.
- Every NBU solar customer is part of the electric grid and receives electric bills.
If you are told that NBU will pay for your solar system, that you will never have a utility bill again, or NBU will pay you back monthly, they are most likely not telling you the truth.
- NBU pays qualifying residential customers up to a $3,000 rebate and credits solar customers for the energy their home solar panels produce and will be reflected on the electric bill.
What to Do if You Receive a Solar Sales Call or Door-to-Door Visit
- If you are interested in solar, feel free to talk with the salesperson. Learn which questions to ask a solar contractor through our free education course.
- If the salesperson seems overly aggressive, pressures you to sign agreements without your full review, or otherwise makes you feel uncomfortable:
- Pause and ask for a business card
- If you are truly interested in speaking with them again, tell them you will follow up
- Or, simply tell them you’re not interested
- Ask them to leave
- Email NBU if you have questions or concerns
If someone is claiming they are an NBU or City of New Braunfels employee or representative, you should always ask to see their identification badge. If they cannot produce their badge, ask for a business card or name and contact information. You can verify either of these forms of identification by emailing NBU’s solar team.
Before signing a contract, always check our List of Participating Solar Contractors, read online reviews, and ask for customer references.
We recommend that you get at least three bids from our participating solar contractors to ensure you are receiving competitive prices, and that the work, rebate, and final inspections are approved by NBU.
Make sure you are comfortable with your contractor, understand what you are purchasing, and understand the costs and financing terms if applicable.
Check out NBU’s solar education course to learn about the entire buying process. Available 24/7, the interactive course walks you through:
- How to shop for solar and what is involved
- How to earn or qualify for a rebate from NBU
- How to design and size your system
- What common solar terms and phrases you may hear
- How shade impacts solar panels
- How battery storage works with solar panels
- What questions to ask solar contractors
- What to consider if you need to finance your solar project