Solar energy can be a big investment. Make sure you know who you are dealing with, understand your rights and know what you are agreeing to. Be on the lookout for scammers who make big promises, too.

Research a Solar Company

Before choosing a solar company or signing a contract, learn more about the company. 

• Get bids from at least three companies.
• Get references from your friends, neighbors or co-workers. 
• In South Carolina, solar leasing companies must be certified before doing business. The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) keeps a list of certified solar leasing companies.
• Use SCDCA’s Search Complaints tool to see if complaints have been filed against a company.
• Search the business online adding the word "complaint" or "scam" after the name. This can help you learn about other customers’ experiences and identify warning signs.

Know Your Rights

South Carolina law gives consumers specific rights when it comes to renewable energy systems. These rules are aimed at combatting bad business practices and helping consumers make informed decisions. Here are some key things to know.

Required Documents

Before you buy a solar system, the company must give you:

• Marketing Pamphlet (PDF) – Explains your rights and responsibilities, important solar terms, and questions to ask.
• Standard Disclosure (PDF) – Gives important details about the contract.

Extra Time for Mature Consumers

If you are 70 years old or older, the company must give you a written copy of the contract at least 3 days before you sign it. This gives you time to review the contract, compare prices, and make the best choice for your needs.

Get a Copy of the Contract

The company must give you a copy of the contract. It should include:

• All fees and costs
• Installation dates
• Details about any promised savings
• Warranty information
• Other information required by law

You Can Cancel the Contract

• You have 10 days to cancel a solar energy contract without paying any fees or penalties.
• If your building permit is denied or your homeowners association does not approve the installation, you have 7 days to cancel or change the contract.

Watch Out for Solar Scams

Some solar salespeople may use misleading or dishonest sales tactics. There are common red flags to spot a scam. Scammers PRETEND to be someone you know or recognize. They say there’s a PROBLEM OR A PRIZE and PRESSURE you to act now. Scammers demand that you PAY in a specific way. That’s usually cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps. 

Be Careful of Big Promises

Scammers often make promises that sound too good to be true, such as:

• “You will never have another utility bill.”
• “You will automatically get a tax rebate from the government.”

Be cautious. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Utility Companies Make Appointments

If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a utility company and says they need to enter your home to check if you qualify for solar, it may be a scam.

Real utility companies:

• Schedule appointments in advance.
• Do not ask for payment at your door.
• Do not ask for personal information at your door.

Utility Companies Do Not Recommend Solar Companies

No utility company in South Carolina installs solar systems or recommends a specific solar company. Some salespeople may falsely claim they work with a utility company. Be careful of these claims.

Report a Scam

If you think you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA).

• Call (844) TELL DCA (835-5322)
• You can also submit a scam report form (PDF).

Visit SCDCA's Scam Education page to learn more about common scams. For more information about solar scams and common misunderstandings, visit solar.sc.gov.

Need Help or Have a Complaint?

The type of issue you experience will determine who may best address your situation. Use the chart below to determine who to contact.

For additional information about your specific situation, visit the "Who to Contact" section of solar.sc.gov.

Seeking Legal Advice?

SCDCA recommends consumers speak to their own attorney to determine if there are alternative avenues of relief through the courts. The Department cannot represent you individually. Even if the Department is able to take some action against a company, it may not completely address your situation. If you do not know of an attorney or cannot afford one, the South Carolina Bar Association has resources that can help. 

Bankrupt or Closed Businesses

If your solar installation company goes bankrupt, gather all documents related to the system, including the contract, finance agreement, equipment serial numbers and: 

• Contact the factory to verify equipment warranties for the panel, batteries and other parts of your system. Warranties from the bankrupt company for labor or installation are likely gone due to the bankruptcy. 
• If you financed the system, reach out to your lender. Do not stop paying. Stopping payments could hurt your credit score, and the debt does not generally go away just because your solar installer went out of business. Call your original lender or check your credit report or bank statements to see who is collecting payments on the loan now. Debt is usually sold to a different company during a bankruptcy. 

Did you have issues with the solar installer? The Federal Trade Commission Holder Rule may protect you from paying for services or promises the defunct company failed to deliver.

Consider talking to an attorney to protect any rights you may have. 

Learn More

South Carolina law about solar energy can be found in Title 58, Chapter 27.

You can also watch the video Thinking About Going Solar? on YouTube to learn about:

• Solar laws in South Carolina
• Contract requirements
• Cancellation rights
• Financial incentives