Maine Attorney General
CONSUMER ADVISORY: SOLAR PANEL ADVERTISEMENTS
(10-16-2024)
The Office of the Maine Attorney General has become aware of misleading solicitations for solar panel installations.
When considering ads and solicitations in any form for solar energy, we want to alert the public of the following:
- Maine is not requiring any homeowner to convert to solar for their energy needs.
- Maine does not currently have any government program offering incentives, grants, rebates, or tax credits for the installation of solar panels at homes in Maine.
- Maine has not approved or selected any particular county, city, town, or neighborhood for conversion to solar.
If you are considering installing a solar array at your home and financing or deferring the cost of that install, remember:
- Although companies may advertise that there is no upfront cost, much like other consumer financing agreements, this is not “free.” Some contracts may create financial obligations like a mortgage or long-term lease.
- They can have long terms (20+ years) over which you will be making regular payments to a third party.
- Payments may increase over time.
- You may not own the panels after they are installed, so if you decide to sell your home you may have to purchase them outright or reduce the asking price.
- If you were solicited and did not make the first contact with the business, you have the right to cancel within 3 business days of signing the contract. The business must inform you of your right to cancel and cannot require you to waive your right to cancel. It is also illegal for the business to start work during those three days if the work is to be done at your home
If you are concerned that you have been the victim of a solar scam, please contact the Office of the Maine Attorney General at (207) 626-8849 or on our website at https://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/complaints/