Solar Snake Oil: Spotting Fake Tech Claims
š Summary Notes
This post pulls back the curtain on a growing problem in the clean energy space: solar scams. From āmiracle panelsā that supposedly work in the dark to phantom āfreeā government programs, the rise in shady pitches is eroding trust in real solar solutions.
At SolarEvol, weāve seen the aftermath of broken promisesānon-functional systems, maxed-out credit cards, and homeowners left in the dark. Thatās why weāre calling it out. This guide shows how to spot solar snake oil, understand what real tech looks like, and ask the questions that protect your powerāand your wallet.
āā Click here to read the full blog post!! š”šµļøāāļøš„
ā”Key Themes
š¹ Snake Oil in Solar: The Red Flags Are Everywhere
These myths sound shinyābut fall apart under scrutiny:
ā āOur panels work at night!ā
š Reality: Only batteries provide nighttime powerāpanels do nothing in the dark.
ā āYou qualify for a free solar programāact now!ā
šØ Reality: Real incentives exist, but they donāt come with countdown timers.
ā ā400% more efficient than standard panels!ā
š Reality: Todayās best panels peak at ~22%. Anything more is likely vaporware.
š” Bottom Line: If it sounds magical or urgent, itās probably marketingānot science.
š¹ What Real Solar Looks Like
True pros focus on:
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Proven manufacturers with long-term performance data
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Certifications (UL, Tier 1, CEC) that prove safety + reliability
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Installer honestyāclear answers, fair contracts, and no pressure tactics
Trust is built through transparency, not taglines.
š¹ Quick Comparison: Real vs. Rubbish
Claim Reality Check ā100% Free Solarā You may pay $0 up frontābut you're still financing it. āNighttime Solar Powerā Only with separate battery storage. āGovernment-Backed Programā Real ones donāt pressure you. Check DSIRE or ask us. āUnbeatable Efficiencyā Most stop at 22%. If itās 40%+, theyāre fibbing. āSign Now to Lock In Rate!ā Legit solar doesnāt expire in 20 minutes.ā”Discussion Questions
š¬ Have you or someone you know encountered solar misinformation?
How did you figure out what was real?
š¬ Why do you think high-pressure tactics are so common in solar marketing?
š¬ What protections or public awareness tools could help prevent solar scams in your community?
š¬ How can trusted providers like SolarEvol build more confidence among new solar adopters?
ā”Action Steps to Stay Scam-Safe
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Ask if nighttime power comes from batteriesānot āmagicā panels
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Cross-check incentive claims with official databases like DSIRE
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Request full specs and warranty infoābefore signing anything
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Demand transparency on pricing, contract terms, and system design
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If pressured to āsign today,ā walk awayāgood solar sells itself
ā”Reflection
Solar is one of the most powerful tools we have for energy freedomābut only if itās real.
The bad actors make the rest of us work harder to rebuild trust. But weāre up for it. Because clean energy isnāt about gimmicks. Itās about truth, transparency, and results that last.
⨠So if it glows? Ask why.
If it sparkles? Ask how.
And if it pressures you? Ask nothingāand leave.