With inflation rising around the world, consumers are feeling the pinch when it comes to their finances. And the price of electricity is no exception.
In fact, electricity prices in 2021 rose at the highest rate since 2008, according to new numbers by the U.S. Energy Informative. While electricity prices typically increase at a rate of 3-3.5% per year, 2021 saw an increase of 4.3% over 2020.
Consumers who are considering solar panels know that making the switch to solar can help them lock in their electricity costs at a fixed rate, protecting them from rising costs and inflation. But knowing who to trust with this kind of project isn’t as easy as it may seem.
Recently, solar-related scams have been on the rise in the Kansas City area. From illegal sales practices, to selling discontinued products and more, Kansas City solar customers need to be warned to watch out for these solar scams.
Illegal Sales Practices
Many of us have had a salesperson show up at our door. But what happens when they won’t leave? That’s been the experience of some homeowners in the Kansas City area when dealing with solar panel companies.
Their high-pressure sales tactics, which are illegal, include refusing to leave the homeowner’s property until a contract is signed, and convincing the homeowner to sign a “waiver”… which turns out to be a contract.
Jim Scalf, a homeowner in the Kansas City area, recently experienced this type of predatory sales practice firsthand. “I knew I wanted to go solar, so I contacted a company to get some more information. They sent a guy out to give me a quote. But then, no matter how many times I asked them to leave, they wouldn’t leave unless I agreed to sign a contract.”
The Hammer Test
One particular solar panel company in Kansas City has been attempting to set themselves apart from the competition by performing the “hammer test” for potential solar customers.
With the hammer test, a solar company representative demonstrates how their solar panels are durable, withstanding the impact of being hit repeatedly with a hammer. Next, they demonstrate how their competitors’ solar panels react to the hammer. Unsurprisingly, the competitors’ panels shatter easily.
However, the solar panels that are being used as the “competitors” panels are often replicas or low-quality panels that no respectable company in the Kansas City area would actually install for their customers. Solar customers in Kansas City need to be aware of this deceptive sales tactic.
Anything But the Truth
When you’re in a Homeowner’s Association, the decision to go solar is between you and your HOA. So when a solar company comes to your door and says there’s no need to talk to your HOA… you may want to believe them. They’re the experts on solar access laws, right?
One solar company in the area has developed a reputation for telling homeowners they can bypass their HOAs, and this simply isn’t true. Homeowners’ associations in Missouri and Kansas currently have the legal right to restrict solar panels in their neighborhoods.
Selling Discontinued Products
Solar panels can last 25 years or more, making them a great investment. And they typically include a 25-30 year warranty, helping you protect your investment for years to come.
But what about when a solar company sells you a solar product discontinued by the manufacturer? For example, in February of this year, manufacturing brand LG announced it would stop making solar panels, leaving the future of those who have LG panels uncertain.
However, some solar companies are continuing to sell discontinued products to Kansas City homeowners without telling them the truth about what they’re buying. In that case, the customer may be out of luck when attempting to get their solar panels serviced in the future.
What Kansas City Solar Customers SHOULD Look For
While the solar landscape in Kansas City may seem hard to navigate, especially as scams abound, we encourage potential solar customers to take their time when making any decisions about the company they choose to work with.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good and trustworthy solar companies around the city who are just waiting for the opportunity to help their customers save money on their energy bills and install a system they are truly happy with.
Learn more about what Kansas City solar customers should look for when choosing among local solar companies: Choosing Among Local Solar Companies – KC Solar
Start Your Switch To Solar Today
If you are looking for the best solar company in Kansas City, look no further than KC Solar. They are your local Kansas City solar panel installation experts. Once you schedule a no-pressure site visit, our experts will help you understand what solar system specifications would be best for your home or business.
KC Solar is the only local solar company in Kansas City with KC natives who own and operate the daily activities of the business. What does that mean for you? We care about you because we care about this city, and we only want the best for it.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
We look forward to serving you!
