“I get at least two calls a day about solar panels and now even emails — is this normal or some kind of scam?”
You’re not imagining it — homeowners across the country are being flooded with solar-related calls, texts, and emails, many of which have nothing to do with legitimate solar companies.
These aren’t just annoying interruptions. In many cases, they’re part of a coordinated scam to steal your information, pressure you into signing a bad contract, or access your bank account.
And it’s not just you. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) logged over 1.3 million robocall scam complaints, with solar “offers” consistently ranking high on the list.
Is This Normal or a Red Flag- Direct Answer
If you didn’t request a solar quote, legitimate solar companies should not be calling or emailing you.
- Real installers won’t endlessly spam you with calls.
- They won’t demand personal or banking information over the phone.
- And they’ll happily provide written details you can review at your own pace.
If a caller is urgent, vague about company details, or promises “free solar” just because your home qualifies — that’s a red flag.
But, Legitimate Reasons You Might Be Contacted
Before we label every call a scam, here are a few legitimate scenarios:
You Recently Requested a Quote
If you filled out an online form for solar pricing or incentives, your info may have been sold to multiple installers — or even shady lead generators masquerading as installers.
Your Utility Changes an Incentive Program
Some utilities do notify customers about new rebates or policy changes, but this is usually by letter, email from a verified address, or on your bill — not a random high-pressure phone call.
Courtesy Calls from an Existing Provider
If you already have panels, your original installer or financing company may contact you about maintenance or billing. These calls will clearly identify the company and account.
Red Flags of Solar Scam Calls & Phishing
When your phone won’t stop ringing or your inbox starts filling with “solar offers,” it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s risky.
Here’s how to spot the most common red flags — and why they matter:
“We’re from PG&E and you qualify for a free solar upgrade.”
Scammers love to borrow the names of well-known companies like PG&E, Con Edison, or Duke Energy to gain instant trust.
- The truth: Utility companies do not cold-call customers offering free solar systems. Rebates and discounts require you to apply directly.
- Tip: Hang up and call your utility using the phone number on your bill to verify. Never trust the number that just called you.
High-pressure wording or threats of penalties if you don’t “act now.”
Genuine companies want you to be informed — scammers want you to panic.
Typical scare lines include:
- “This offer expires today.”
- “You’ll lose your eligibility if you don’t sign up now.”
- “Your utility rates will go up unless you enroll.”
The danger: Urgency clouds your judgment and pushes you into saying “yes” before you’ve read anything. A real company lets you review paperwork and think it over.
Requests for personal or banking information before sending details in writing.
No honest solar installer needs your full Social Security number, bank account, or credit card on the first call.
- The danger: That information can be used for identity theft, unauthorized loans, or draining your account.
- Tip: If you haven’t seen a written proposal you can verify, do not hand over sensitive details — not even “for verification purposes.”
Caller ID shows a local number… but the caller won’t give you a working callback line.
This is known as number spoofing. Scammers make it look like they’re calling from your area code (or even your town), but the number is fake. If you call it back, it may ring to a random person or go nowhere.
The danger: You feel more comfortable answering “local” calls, which scammers exploit. Legitimate companies give you a direct, verifiable callback number.
Generic or poorly written emails with strange links or attachments.
Phishing emails often have:
- Typos or awkward grammar.
- Generic greetings like “Dear Homeowner.”
- URLs that look almost right but have extra words or numbers (e.g., pge-billing-support.com).
The danger: Clicking infected links can install malware or take you to fake forms to steal your identity. Hover over links before clicking, or better yet — don’t click at all.
Demands for upfront payments before installation or inspection.
Scammers may ask for a deposit to “secure your rebate” or “cover inspection costs.”
- The danger: Once you pay, they disappear — or lock you into a bogus financing agreement.
- Tip: Reputable companies schedule an inspection first, then provide a written contract before any money changes hands.
Phishing Links for “Rebate Activation”
Email or text message with a link to “activate” your solar rebate account. These are fake pages built to harvest your personal and financial data.
Avoid: Never click — type the official site address directly in your browser.
💡 Bottom line:
If a call or email feels off — too pushy, too vague, too urgent, or too good to be true — trust your gut. Scammers are counting on you not to question the process.
Legal Rights & Protections
Federal Rules That Protect You
- FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule – Blocks unwanted sales calls to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry.
- Truth in Caller ID Act – Enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), prohibits spoofing caller IDs to defraud.
- CAN-SPAM Act – Governs marketing emails and requires truthful subject lines and opt-out compliance.
- CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) – Handles cases where scams result in unauthorized bank transactions or loan activity.
Consumer Watchdogs You Can Use
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Search any company name before dealing with them.
- FCC & FTC Complaint Portals – File online to report offenders; complaints create public records scam-patrolling agencies use.
Example State Protections
- California: Strong state Do Not Call laws + contractor licensing enforcement.
- Texas: Telemarketing Disclosure and Privacy Act — fines for misidentified calls.
- Florida: Telephone Solicitation Act — strict rules on call times & written consent.
These laws differ by state — but you can use them to fine, stop, or sue scam callers with the help of an attorney.
Action Steps if You Suspect a Scam
- Hang Up Immediately: Don’t engage or answer any “yes/no” prompts.
- Block & Report the Number: Use your phone’s block feature; file an FTC complaint.
- Report to Your Utility: They may issue public scam alerts.
- Save Evidence: Voicemails, caller IDs, email headers.
- Contact a Consumer Fraud Lawyer: Especially if you shared information or signed something.
Shut the Scammers Down: You Have Rights
Those endless calls, emails, and texts are not just a nuisance. They are a tactic — designed to wear you down until you answer, agree, or hand over information they can exploit. Many homeowners feel trapped by the constant noise, unsure which offers are real and which are scams. You are not alone in this, and you are not powerless.
At Bennett Legal, we take action against the companies and scammers who bombard families with deceptive solar pitches. We know the federal and state laws they are breaking — from robocall bans to deceptive marketing rules — and we know how to hold them accountable.
Here is how we protect homeowners like you:
- We build the record. We preserve voicemails, emails, and caller IDs to prove patterns of harassment.
- We identify the source. Even spoofed calls and shell companies can be traced when the right legal tools are used.
- We enforce your rights. From federal telemarketing rules to state consumer fraud laws, we file the complaints and lawsuits that stop the harassment.
- We stop the cycle. Once we act, homeowners regain control — free from the pressure, the lies, and the nonstop noise.
You do not have to accept being hounded by fraudulent solar calls. You have the right to peace, to privacy, and to fair treatment. Bennett Legal can help you reclaim them.
📞 Call Bennett Legal today for a free consultation. We will show you exactly how to shut down the harassment and protect your home, your credit, and your peace of mind.
