The $99 Solar Install Trap

“The $99 Solar Install Trap”

Starring: Electra Volt
(With a surprise cameo from The Shadower)

“If the price sounds too good to be true… it probably hides what’s really powering it.” – Electra Volt

🌇 Scene: Sunrise Hills Neighborhood, Local Coffee Spot – 10:42 AM

Jordan scrolled through Instagram while sipping his latte. An ad popped up:

“Solar Install For Just $99! Save Thousands Instantly!”
Bold letters. Happy families. Panels glistening.

He clicked the link. The site looked slick. The form was short. The rep called within an hour.

By 2 PM, Jordan was locked into a 25-year solar lease—zero down, fixed rates, and fine print he didn’t bother to read.

A month later, he noticed:
✅ His electric bill was still high
✅ He was locked out of government incentives
✅ He couldn’t sell his house without transferring the lease

As he sat at home feeling trapped, a strange electrical hum filled the room.

ZAP⚡ — the wall lit up blue and white, and from a stream of sparking energy, Electra Volt stepped through. Her suit pulsed with power, and copper energy lines danced down her arms like live circuits.

“You’ve been scammed,” she said gently. “But you’re not alone.”

🧠 Understanding the $99 Trap

Electra projected the truth into the air—an animated diagram showing the flow of money in a “$99 install” lease:

• Zero down = long-term lock-in

• No ownership = no tax credit

• Escalating payments = increased costs over time

• Maintenance included? Sometimes—but at inflated costs

Then the screen shifted, showing alternatives:

✅ Cash Purchase – highest upfront, biggest savings
✅ Solar Loan – own your system, still get incentives
✅ Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) – lower cost, but limited control
✅ Leases – only if structured with clear terms and exit options

👀 Watch Out for Red Flags

🚩 “Too good to be true” offers
🚩 Aggressive reps pressuring quick sign-ups
🚩 Lack of transparency on ownership
🚩 Missing info about incentive eligibility
🚩 No explanation of system specs

As she explained, The Shadower emerged faintly behind the kitchen blinds, chuckling as Jordan looked overwhelmed.

But Electra Volt turned sharply, raised her hands, and shot a blinding surge of light that sent him fleeing in a puff of misinformation.

📝 Pro Tip

• Always ask: “Do I own the system?”

• Demand a breakdown of total system cost

• Check if you qualify for federal tax credits or state rebates

• Use SolarEvol’s Installer Vetting Checklist before signing anything

🦸 Closing Line

“You didn’t fail,” Electra said as she handed Jordan a glowing USB. “You just didn’t have the full charge of knowledge. But now you do.”

She disappeared in a crackle of blue sparks—leaving the kitchen lights brighter than before.

🔁 Tune in Next Wednesday:

“The Power of Local Incentives (and How Folks Miss Them)”
Starring: Lady Net Zero