Attorney General Ashley Moody has unveiled a new resource, Scams at a Glance: The Dark Side of Solar, aimed at helping Floridians navigate potential pitfalls when purchasing solar energy systems. Speaking at a news conference in Jacksonville alongside the Better Business Bureau, Moody emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from deceptive practices in the solar industry.
Moody highlighted the risks associated with solar scams, stating, “Solar scams cost Florida consumers thousands of dollars. To better protect Floridians, this National Consumer Protection Week, I’m releasing Scams at a Glance: The Dark Side of Solar. This new resource is full of tips to help consumers spot and avoid solar scams.”
BBB Northeast Florida President and CEO Tom Stephens echoed the significance of consumer protection, saying, “The BBB has been working to help develop a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other for over 100 years. The celebration of National Consumer Protection Week is another step along that path.”
The newly released tool, Scams at a Glance: The Dark Side of Solar, equips consumers with information to recognize, avoid, and report fraudulent practices in the solar industry. It includes warning signs for potential scams and tips for engaging with legitimate solar companies.
Among the tips provided in the resource are recommendations to obtain quotes from multiple reputable solar companies, be cautious of upfront payments or deposits, and thoroughly review contract terms before signing. Additionally, consumers are advised to contact the Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints against a particular company.
Attorney General Moody has taken legal action against several deceptive solar businesses, including MC Solar and Roofing, SetUp My Solar, and Vision Solar. These companies have been accused of various deceptive practices, such as abandoning contracts, incomplete installations, and misrepresenting savings to consumers.
To report a solar scam, consumers are urged to contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or file complaints with the BBB online. Scams at a Glance is part of an outreach program aimed at educating consumers about common and emerging scams, providing essential information to prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes.