LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a new consumer alert urging residents to conduct thorough due diligence before signing solar panel installation contracts.
While acknowledging that solar panels can effectively lower electricity costs and reduce a homeowner’s environmental footprint, Nessel emphasized that companies must be completely transparent about total system costs and realistic performance metrics.
She says “A promise of lower energy bills does not tell the whole story, and claims about tax breaks and energy savings deserve a closer look,” adding that Michigan residents should be able to explore renewable energy options without falling victim to misleading sales tactics or unexpected financial burdens.
To prevent financial strain, the Attorney General’s office advises consumers to verify company records and state licensing, consult directly with their utility providers regarding ongoing baseline bills, and carefully review physical copies of contracts rather than rushing through digital forms on a salesperson’s tablet.
Furthermore, homeowners are cautioned not to rely blindly on promised tax credits, which vary by individual circumstance, and to investigate equipment longevity, as long-term solar loan payments can occasionally outlast the lifespan of the panels themselves.
Consumers who believe they have been misled are encouraged to file a formal complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team.
Comments