Virginia is blessed with several solar installation companies that do high quality work at a fair price. And from experience we know that these companies are also straightforward and honest in their sales process.
We’re honored to have so many colleagues at other solar companies from Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads who help spread clean and affordable solar power around the Old Dominion. Here at Main Street Solar, we’re committed to doing the same thing in central and southwestern Virginia from Charlottesville and Harrisonburg to Blacksburg and Lynchburg.
So it concerns us when we start to hear from homeowners in our part of Virginia that some solar installers may be using high pressure sales tactics to try to boost their sales.
High Pressure Solar Sales Tactic #1: Artificial Deadlines
Perhaps the most common pushy sales tactic we’ve seen recently is when a solar company gives a proposal to a homeowner but requires an answer in a short amount of time — as little as 24 hours.
There’s no good reason for a solar proposal to expire in 24 hours, 48 hours, or really, anything less than 30 days.
So, why would a solar installer make their proposals expire so quickly? PPC Solar located in New Mexico explains that artificial deadlines are just a way to apply pressure to try to bully you into a sale. And their advice on how to respond is right on target:
If the salespeople present a deadline (that is not related to a federal/local tax or grant opportunity), keep in mind that this is a high-pressure tactic and walk away. Deadlines are designed to force you into a sale before you have had time to thoughtfully consider the purchase. Ask to take the contract home and even ask your accountant for advisement.
If a solar installer continues to apply high pressure, then you may be dealing with a salesperson on commission who has their best interests at heart, not yours. “Unethical sales tactics are employed by people who make bonuses or commission from the sale, and are driven by that fact. When you start to feel like ‘just another sale’ then it is time to step back.”
If you think a solar installer is using unethical or deceptive sales tactics, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. Or you can report them to the Solar Energy Industries Association for violating the trade group’s Solar Business Code which requires solar companies to follow high standards in their sales process.
A Good Decision Takes Time
A successful experience with solar only comes from a solar installer that you can trust. Any good solar company will recognize that you need time to think about a proposal to get solar on your home. We think that solar is a great investment — and we know that it’s also a big commitment.
That’s why Main Street Solar gives at least 30 days for homeowners to look at our proposals. We know that you need to talk about it with your family, see how solar would fit in with your finances and get your questions answered.
And if there are real deadlines, such as the coming expiration of a tax credit or other solar benefit, we will be sure to let you know with as much time in advance so that you don’t miss out.
And to help answer the questions that homeowners in Virginia have about solar, we developed an ebook answering the top 10. Naturally, it’s called “Top 10 Questions & Answers on Home Solar in Virginia” and it covers everything from what types of homes will get the most benefit from solar and how to finance a solar system to selecting the best solar installation company for you.
I hope you’ll download your own free copy now, with no obligation.
— Andrew Brenner, Main Street Solar
