Alberta's Solar Boom: How to Avoid Shady Sales Tactics and Scams

 🌞 Alberta's rooftop solar boom is exciting, but beware of shady sales tactics! 🚨 Learn how to protect yourself and make the most of the solar surge. 🌍🔋 #Calgary #Alberta

Alberta's Rooftop Solar Boom: Navigating the Shady Sales Tactics

Introduction

Alberta's booming rooftop solar industry is currently grappling with a rise in dubious sales tactics. While the surge in demand for solar installations reflects a positive shift towards renewable energy, it has also attracted unscrupulous players aiming to capitalize on the trend. In this blog post, we’ll explore the driving forces behind this growth, the shady practices emerging in the market, and how consumers can protect themselves.

The Solar Surge in Alberta

Alberta, with its sunny skies and deregulated power market, has become a prime location for residential solar energy. The number of approved microgeneration applications in Calgary alone has skyrocketed by nearly 600% since 2020. Several factors are fueling this surge:

1. Rising Electricity Rates: High electricity costs are pushing Albertans to seek alternative ways to manage their utility bills.
2. Government Incentives: The federal government's Greener Homes incentive program offers grants and loans for home solar installations, making solar more accessible.

Growing Pains: Influx of New Companies

The rapid market expansion has led to a significant increase in the number of companies offering solar-related services. Where there were once only a few professional installers, there are now over 100. This influx has not only diversified the market but also introduced various levels of service quality.

The Dark Side: Shady Sales Tactics

With the growth of the industry, consumer complaints have also risen. Some of the most concerning issues include:

1. False Representation: Instances of individuals falsely claiming to represent reputable companies, as seen in Nanton where someone pretended to be from FortisAlberta.
2. Aggressive Sales Tactics: High-pressure sales tactics that push homeowners into signing contracts hastily. For example, Wilma VandeLaak from Camrose shared her experience of feeling coerced into a contract.
3. Misleading Information: Companies promising unrealistic returns on investment or selling systems unsuitable for specific homes, such as north-facing solar panels with poor economic viability.

Industry Response and Consumer Protection

While negative experiences are not the norm, the presence of bad actors tarnishes the industry's reputation. Heather MacKenzie, executive director of Solar Alberta, acknowledges these issues but emphasizes that the majority of solar companies are reputable. Solar Alberta has its own code of conduct, but compliance is voluntary.

Government and Industry Solutions

The Alberta government’s consumer investigations unit has noted an increase in complaints related to door-to-door solar sales. To combat this, some industry leaders suggest stronger regulatory measures:

1. Regulatory Authority for Solar Alberta: Granting Solar Alberta the power to enforce standards and discipline violators could help maintain industry integrity.
2. Banning Door-to-Door Sales: Greg Sauer from SkyFire Energy advocates for extending the ban on door-to-door sales, similar to the restrictions placed on other energy products in 2017.

However, not everyone agrees with these measures. Jordan Forsythe of Boreal Connected Homes Ltd. argues that a blanket ban on door-to-door sales would be unfair to ethical businesses using this method responsibly.

Looking Forward: Maintaining Trust and Growth

Brian Scott of Solar Dev expresses concern about the long-term impact of these shady practices on the industry’s reputation. Drawing parallels to the U.S. solar market, he warns that Alberta could face a similar wave of bankruptcies and lawsuits if these issues aren't addressed.

Actionable Takeaways for Consumers

For consumers considering rooftop solar installations, here are some tips to navigate the market safely:

1. Get Multiple Quotes: Don't settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from different companies to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
2. Research Companies: Check reviews, ask for references, and verify the company's credentials.
3. Be Wary of High-Pressure Sales: Take your time to make an informed decision. If a salesperson is too aggressive, it's a red flag.
4. Understand Your Home's Suitability: Not every home is ideal for solar. Get an assessment to understand the potential benefits and limitations for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Alberta's rooftop solar boom presents an exciting opportunity for sustainable energy but also highlights the need for vigilance and regulation. By staying informed and cautious, consumers can enjoy the benefits of solar energy while avoiding the pitfalls of shady sales tactics. As the industry continues to grow, fostering trust and transparency will be key to its long-term success.