Question 1

What is the "iPad sales pitch" and why should I be cautious of it?

Accepted Answer

The "iPad sales pitch" refers to a high-pressure sales tactic where representatives use professional-looking digital charts and tablets to create a sense of authority and speed. Salespeople often "click" through digital contracts quickly, sometimes guiding a homeowner’s finger to the signature line without allowing them to read the fine print. This process can lead to the "E-Sign trap," where signatures are rushed or even forged using the salesperson’s own device metadata, potentially making the contract "void ab initio" or invalid from the start.

Question 2

Why am I still receiving an electric bill after being promised a "$0 bill"?

Accepted Answer

Most residential solar systems are still connected to the local utility grid, which carries mandatory base customer charges, delivery fees, and connection fees that solar panels cannot eliminate. Additionally, many homeowners face a "two-bill" problem because their systems are undersized or poorly installed—such as panels facing away from the sun—resulting in a solar loan payment on top of a remaining utility bill. If the written savings projections provided during the sale are mathematically impossible based on actual utility rates, it may constitute "Fraud in the Inducement."

Question 3

How does the federal solar tax credit actually work?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a non-refundable tax credit, not a cash rebate or a check in the mail. It only benefits homeowners who have enough federal tax liability to offset; for example, many retirees or low-income earners may not qualify for the credit at all. Furthermore, as of 2026, the federal residential tax credit for homeowners who purchase their systems has expired. Currently, the credit is primarily available through third-party ownership models like leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), where the solar company claims the credit and may or may not pass those savings to the consumer.

Question 4

What happens to my contract if the solar company goes out of business?

Accepted Answer

When a solar company goes bankrupt, it creates an "Orphaned System" where the homeowner is left without the promised 25-year monitoring, maintenance, or warranty services. While the financing bank may still demand monthly payments, the "FTC Holder Rule" may allow homeowners to stop payments if the promised services are not being provided. This is considered a "Material Breach" of contract, and homeowners can often hold the lending bank accountable for the failures of the "ghost" company they partnered with.

Question 5

Can solar panels make it difficult to sell or refinance my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because many solar companies file a UCC-1 "fixture filing" or lien against the property. This lien stays on the title, and the company may demand a full payoff of the 25-year contract—often tens of thousands of dollars—before allowing a home sale to proceed. While salespeople often claim solar adds value, many buyers view a long-term lease with annual price escalators as a financial liability rather than an asset, which can lead to "Slander of Title" if the contract terms were originally misrepresented.

Home solar scams and why your bill isn't $0

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