Is green energy legit?

Yes, green energy as an industry is legitimate. Green energy sources include solar energy , wind energy , geothermal energy , and more. All of these renewable resources produce significantly fewer carbon dioxide emissions than fossil fuels.

Why are there so many solar panel scams?

As solar energy has increased in popularity, more people are recognizing the advantages of this renewable energy source. Unfortunately, as awareness has grown, scammers have used the benefits of solar to take advantage of vulnerable people who want to save money on their utility bills or enjoy an eco-friendly energy source.

What is the most reputable solar company?

There are many reputable solar companies in the U.S., including SunPower, Sunrun, and Lumio. To find the best installer for your home, reach out to a few companies in your area to get quotes. Then, you can compare the installers on pricing, warranties, financing options, and other factors.

Is it worth switching to green energy?

It can be, but it depends on your priorities. Green energy is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power sources, so if that’s important to you, then making the switch could be worth it. Just make sure to use a legitimate company like SaveOnEnergy when researching and signing up for a green energy plan.

How to Avoid Green Energy Scams

Here’s how to spot a green energy scam and distinguish it from a real project.

Written by Taylor Freitas

Edited by Aviva Hauser

Last updated 12/19/2024

Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/DigitalVision/Getty images

Why trust SaveOnEnergy?

Learn More

At SaveOnEnergy, we work to offer accurate information with editorial integrity. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read more about how we make money.

Key Points

There are several types of green energy scams, including “free” solar panels and investment opportunities.
Scammers may call you on the phone, knock on your front door, or connect over social media.
Don’t give out any personal information and read the fine print on all contracts.

As renewable energy becomes more widely available throughout the U.S., green energy scams have unfortunately become popular, too. To avoid falling victim to one of these scams, it’s important to understand the common signs of clean energy scams and confirm the legitimacy of any energy company you’re considering working with. Keep reading to learn more about the basics of green energy scams.

What are green energy scams?

Like other types of scams, green energy scams involve a person or group of people defrauding others for financial gain. These schemes come in many forms, including green energy spam calls and door-to-door sales scams.

Some scams involve someone falsely claiming that they run a green energy project — for example, manufacturing electric vehicles or converting waste into green energy — and looking for people to invest in it. However, these green energy “solutions” are typically just a ploy to steal money from vulnerable people unfamiliar with the industry.

In other cases, scammers go from door to door, offering “free” solar panels or pretending to be a representative from the local utility company or an energy provider. They may use the promise of free solar installation to trick people into signing up for an expensive solar loan.

Often, these scams are targeted at older people (AARP has even warned its members about the rise of this type of fraud) and other vulnerable populations.

Tips to avoid green energy scams

Learning about common scams is a great first step to protecting yourself from them. You can stay on top of the latest schemes by checking the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) also offers resources to help you recognize and avoid energy scam calls.

Sometimes, utility companies and electricity providers will post scam alerts or safety tips on their websites. For example, Texas’s Oncor Electric Delivery has useful information about how to detect scams and how to confirm an employee’s identity if they’re claiming to represent the company.

Here are some other ways to avoid clean energy scams:

Don’t fall for the “free” solar panel scam. There are no federal or state programs that provide free solar panel installation. If someone is promising free solar, it’s likely a scam or an attempt at getting you to sign up for a solar loan, which is a financing option for solar panels.
Know your current energy companies. In some green energy scams, a person will pretend to work for your utility or electricity provider. If you have doubts about their legitimacy, you can contact the company directly.
Don’t provide personal information. If you receive an unexpected visit, phone call, or message from someone claiming to be an energy representative, don’t give them any sensitive information. This includes your name, address, Social Security number, bank account information, and even your utility account number.
Take your time and review contracts thoroughly. Scammers might try to pressure you into making a quick decision or offer a “limited-time deal” if you sign up right away. Don’t succumb to these tricks. And before you sign any type of contract, be sure to review it thoroughly, or ask an attorney to check it for you.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you believe that you might have been the victim of a green energy scam, don’t be embarrassed. Many scammers use sophisticated tactics to gain your trust and convince you that they’re legitimate.

Still, it’s important to report the scam to your energy provider or utility and the local police. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, green energy as an industry is legitimate. Green energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and more. All of these renewable resources produce significantly fewer carbon dioxide emissions than fossil fuels.
As solar energy has increased in popularity, more people are recognizing the advantages of this renewable energy source. Unfortunately, as awareness has grown, scammers have used the benefits of solar to take advantage of vulnerable people who want to save money on their utility bills or enjoy an eco-friendly energy source.
There are many reputable solar companies in the U.S., including SunPower, Sunrun, and Lumio. To find the best installer for your home, reach out to a few companies in your area to get quotes. Then, you can compare the installers on pricing, warranties, financing options, and other factors.
It can be, but it depends on your priorities. Green energy is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power sources, so if that’s important to you, then making the switch could be worth it. Just make sure to use a legitimate company like SaveOnEnergy when researching and signing up for a green energy plan.