‘It’s grown exponentially’: OPPD warns future solar users of misinformation
According to OPPD, solar applications grew from 50 in 2020 to more than 800 in 2022.
As the demand for solar power continues to shine, OPPD said it’s noticing an increasing number of false claims from companies to entice future users.”The biggest thing we’d recommend is do your research,” said OPPD product manager Sam Hueser. “And don’t sign anything until you understand the implications of what you’re doing.”The average residential solar system costs about $25,000, according to Hueser. But national experts say it’s a price that’s dropped by as much as 50% over the last decade. It’s the biggest reason for the growth in demand. Here are the number of applications to connect to the grid OPPD has seen since 2020:2020: 50 applications2021: 543 applications2022: 835 applications2023 (YTD): 250 applications “People are starting to take advantage of that,” Hueser said. “There are also a lot of federal tax credits to take advantage of.”For the next decade, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, you can get up to a 30% tax credit on the cost to install solar. OPPD is also offering a $2,000 solar rebate if you install with one of its vetted trade allies.But as an increasing number of companies come in to install solar, OPPD said it’s hearing more about false claims. For example, if someone tells you that by installing solar, you won’t receive an OPPD bill, that’s false. There will almost always be a minimum $30 fixed portion on the bill for service.”A company trying to get you to agree and sign as soon as possible without looking it over – that’s a red flag,” Hueser said. “If a company says they partner with OPPD, that’s a red flag. We don’t partner with any companies.” OPPD passed along the following tips: Do not be pressured by a solar company. Do your homework before signing any contracts. Visit OPPD.com/COG to research whether solar is right for your situation. There, you’ll find helpful information, including answers to frequently asked questions. On that website, check out this list of our vetted solar and other customer-owned generation trade allies. These are businesses OPPD has worked with and recommends as trusted sources. ALWAYS get multiple bids from reputable solar contractors before signing any contracts. NEVER let unvetted salespeople into your home. And never give them personal or financial information, whether in person or over the phone.
As the demand for solar power continues to shine, OPPD said it’s noticing an increasing number of false claims from companies to entice future users.
“The biggest thing we’d recommend is do your research,” said OPPD product manager Sam Hueser. “And don’t sign anything until you understand the implications of what you’re doing.”
The average residential solar system costs about $25,000, according to Hueser. But national experts say it’s a price that’s dropped by as much as 50% over the last decade.
It’s the biggest reason for the growth in demand. Here are the number of applications to connect to the grid OPPD has seen since 2020:
- 2020: 50 applications
- 2021: 543 applications
- 2022: 835 applications
- 2023 (YTD): 250 applications
“People are starting to take advantage of that,” Hueser said. “There are also a lot of federal tax credits to take advantage of.”
For the next decade, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, you can get up to a 30% tax credit on the cost to install solar. OPPD is also offering a $2,000 solar rebate if you install with one of its vetted trade allies.
But as an increasing number of companies come in to install solar, OPPD said it’s hearing more about false claims. For example, if someone tells you that by installing solar, you won’t receive an OPPD bill, that’s false. There will almost always be a minimum $30 fixed portion on the bill for service.
“A company trying to get you to agree and sign as soon as possible without looking it over – that’s a red flag,” Hueser said. “If a company says they partner with OPPD, that’s a red flag. We don’t partner with any companies.”
OPPD passed along the following tips:
- Do not be pressured by a solar company. Do your homework before signing any contracts.
- Visit OPPD.com/COG to research whether solar is right for your situation. There, you’ll find helpful information, including answers to frequently asked questions.
- On that website, check out this list of our vetted solar and other customer-owned generation trade allies. These are businesses OPPD has worked with and recommends as trusted sources.
- ALWAYS get multiple bids from reputable solar contractors before signing any contracts.
- NEVER let unvetted salespeople into your home. And never give them personal or financial information, whether in person or over the phone.