While rooftop solar is usually seen as an economic benefit for electric utility customers and a liability for the utilities themselves, there are instances in which utilities work with customers on rooftop solar programs, as well as instances in which utilities buy back excess solar from customers (net metering). For these and other reasons, and because of the growth of this industry in general, it is important for electric utilities to stay abreast of changes in the rooftop solar industry.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), expanded access to affordable, reliable residential solar is crucial for lowering energy costs and providing meaningful benefits for Americans. “Residential solar power can save households tens of thousands of dollars in electricity expenses over the life of the solar installation,” said Treasury. “All Americans should be able to benefit from various federal and state incentives to access solar power in their homes without fear of unfair or deceptive practices.”

In August, Treasury, along with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced actions to address unfair and deceptive consumer acts and practices in the residential solar power sector.

Treasury, CFPB, and FTC released Consumer Advisories warning the public on how to spot potential unfair and deceptive practices and encouraging consumers to file complaints of suspicious behavior to FTC, CFPB, and state consumer protection offices.

In addition, Treasury, CFPB, and FTC, along with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced an interagency partnership with the goal of coordinating efforts to prevent predatory practices. “The new partnership will foster greater communication and collaboration between the agencies and better protect consumers from bad actors,” said Treasury.

Over the past decade, said the Treasury, regulators have observed an increase in consumer complaints about some unscrupulous companies that pressure consumers into predatory contracts or purchases, including unfair financing, and/or failing to install or activate residential solar systems as promised. While regulatory bodies have already taken action against bad actors, the White House is committed to further addressing unfair and deceptive practices and empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Treasury, CFPB, and FTC encourage consumers who believe they have been victims of unfair or deceptive practices to file a complaint with CFPB, FTC, or their relevant state consumer protection office. “These consumer complaints help enable an all-of-government response to root out unfair and deceptive practices and hold bad actors accountable,” said Treasury.

“While skyrocketing growth of the residential solar industry is lowering costs for consumers nationwide, a small number of bad actors are taking advantage of opportunities to scam customers,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo.

“As more Americans choose to lower their utility bills by adopting solar panels, fraudsters have found a new opportunity to prey on consumers,” said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC will keep working with enforcement partners across government to ensure that Americans can unlock the benefits of solar energy without getting ripped off or scammed.”

“With sweltering heat across America this summer, many families are installing solar panels to save on energy costs to cool their home,” said Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra. “The CFPB will be scrutinizing solar lenders to make sure that Americans don’t get burned.”