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Solar Panel Scams
The Disability and Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) is a program of the Disability Rights Center (DRC), providing free assistance to Kansans with disabilities or Kansas seniors who have been victims of crime. Our team of attorneys and advocates helps crime victims understand their rights and navigate the criminal and civil justice systems.
The DACVU team has seen an increase in calls from Kansans who have been the victim of door-to-door solar panels scams. Check out the information below to learn how to spot a scam and keep your money safe!
Scam Warning Signs
1. Too Good to Be True: “Free solar,” giveaways, and misleading government incentives.
2. High Pressure Sales Tactics: "Sign now" or "today only" deals.
3. Unannounced Calls or Visits: Some scammers will pretend to be from your utility company. Call your utility company to check.
4. No License or Insurance: Check that installers are licensed and insured in Kansas.
5. Shady Contracts: Watch for long term commitments, “balloon payments”, “early termination” fees, and unclear warranties.
6. Bad Reputation: Search the company name plus “scam” or “complaints.” Check the Better Business Bureau.
7. Refusal to Sign Disclosure Statement: If they won’t sign, STOP right away.
Before You Decide
Take your time. Do your research. Ask questions.
Check Your Home and Roof
Get an independent energy audit of your home. Professional energy auditors are not connected to salespeople or installers. This means they do not make money from your solar energy project. They check to make sure the improvements you are thinking about are cost effective. They will tell you things like if your roof gets enough sun year-round or if your roof is strong and large enough for panels.
Understand Incentives and Tax Credits
There are a lot of federal and state-level financial incentives for solar panels, promising thousands of dollars off the price of a solar system. However, incentives and tax credits only apply if you buy/own the panels. If you’re leasing or getting panels through a power-purchase agreement, you won’t get the incentives. Talk to a tax professional about any promised incentives.
Compare Financing and Watch for an “Arbitration Clause”
Read all terms and conditions of your financing agreement. Many solar financing or lease contracts contain something called an “arbitration clause”. When you sign this, you essentially give up your right to go to court if the solar company rips you off. Any claims you make will instead go to private “arbitration” that usually favors the company. You may not be able to avoid this in your contract, but know what it means before you sign.
Choose a Trusted Installer
Read all terms and conditions of your financing agreement. Many solar financing or lease contracts contain something called an “arbitration clause”. When you sign this, you essentially give up your right to go to court if the solar company rips you off. Any claims you make will instead go to private “arbitration” that usually favors the company. You may not be able to avoid this in your contract, but know what it means before you sign.
Know Your Rights in Kansas
Disclosure Statement Required
As of July 1, 2025, sellers must give you a Solar Energy Disclosure Statement before your contract is final. Your contract isn’t valid until you sign the statement. There must be at least a 1-day waiting period between when you sign a solar contract and when the disclosure statement is signed.
View the Residential Solar Energy Disclosure Statement here
Door-to-Door Sales
If a salesperson comes to your home to sell you a solar energy system, under Kansas law (K.S.A. 50-640):
- You have the right to cancel the sale within 3 business days after signing.
- The salesperson must give you a full copy of the contract right when you sign it. The contract must show the date you signed, the seller’s name and address, and your right to cancel.
- If you cancel the contract within 3 business days, the company must refund your money within 10 business days.
Think You've Been Scammed?
You can file a complaint with these agencies:
- Attorney General of Kansas - Public Protection Division
Take steps to protect yourself in the future:
- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about possible consumer protection law violations: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
- Get financial advice about how to manage the debt created by the scam. Contact the Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.: https://housingandcredit.org/what-we-do/counseling/financial-includes-budgeting-credit-reports/
- Request a copy of your annual credit report to check for identity theft: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Questions? Need help? Contact the DRC and ask to speak to a member of the Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) team!
Call DRC Toll free at (877) 776-1541 (Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm) or contact us online at drckansas.org/get-help