How to protect yourself from solar scams at your front door
TL;DR: If someone knocks on your door selling solar, be cautious. Many are contracted sales reps using high-pressure tactics and misleading claims. Here’s how to spot red flags and make sure you’re getting real info from real pros.
THE CLAIM: I'm from your utility company
Some door knockers will claim they’re from your utility company, wearing a convincing (but unofficial) uniform and flashing a badge that looks just real enough. They might say they need to inspect your meter, review your energy bill, or—our favorite—warn you that your power will be shut off unless you go solar right now.
Reality Check: Utility companies do not go door to door selling solar. They also won’t threaten to disconnect your service unless you sign up for a “special program” on the spot. If someone makes this claim, close the door and call your utility provider to verify.
The Government Program That Doesn’t Exist
Another common trick? Pretending to be part of an official government program that offers “free solar” or “special incentives” that expire really, really soon!
They might use throw-around terms like “federal mandate” or “state solar initiative” to make it sound legitimate.
Reality Check: While there are real solar incentives in Washington and Oregon, they aren’t handed out by random people showing up at your door.
If someone claims they’re from the government, ask for a brochure or a website—odds are, they won’t have one. Instead, check reputable sources like your state’s energy office.
The ‘Sign Right Now or Miss Out Forever’ Pressure Cooker
Shady sales reps love to create a sense of urgency. They’ll tell you that there’s a limited-time deal, a special discount, or a “neighborhood program” that you must sign up for immediately—or else!
Reality Check: Good solar companies give you time to review your options. Any salesperson who demands a signature right now is likely hiding something. Take your time, do your research, and get multiple quotes before making a decision.
The Mystery Fee or Upfront Payment Demand
Some aggressive door-to-door reps will claim you need to make a deposit today to lock in your rate or avoid extra fees. Others might ask for your banking information to “pre-qualify” you for solar savings.
Reality Check: Reputable solar companies do not require upfront cash payments from strangers at your doorstep. Never hand over personal financial information to someone you just met in your driveway.
The ‘Let Me See Your Electric Bill’ Trick
This one seems harmless enough. A sales rep asks for your electric bill to “see how much you could save.”
But in reality, they’re just fishing for your account number so they can sign you up for something you didn’t agree to.
Reality Check: Reputable solar companies do not require upfront cash payments from strangers at your doorstep. Never hand over personal financial information to someone you just met in your driveway.
The Commission-Driven Appointment Setter
Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: Most door-to-door solar sales reps are not the actual people who will sell you the system.
They’re appointment setters, and they work on commission—often making six figures if they’re good at getting homeowners to agree to a sit-down with a real salesperson.
The pressure isn’t just about selling you solar; it’s about making sure they lock in their payday by getting you to say yes to an appointment.
Reality Check: If someone is pushing aggressively for an appointment, it’s because they have a personal financial stake in your decision.
Take control of the situation—if you’re interested in solar, you should be the one deciding when and how you explore your options, not a random person at your door.
The ‘Neighborhood Success Story’ Gimmick
Some sales reps will claim that all your neighbors are going solar and that you’re the last holdout. They’ll name-drop (or sometimes fabricate) nearby homeowners who supposedly signed up recently, making you feel like you’re missing out.
Reality Check: Even if a neighbor did go solar, that doesn’t mean it was with the same company or that it’s the right choice for you.
Always verify claims and don’t let FOMO rush your decision.
The ‘Limited Availability’ Ploy
A common trick is to say that only a select few homeowners qualify for a special program—and somehow, you just made the cut! But you need to act right now before the opportunity disappears.
Reality Check: Solar programs don’t work like an exclusive club. If you qualify for incentives, they won’t suddenly vanish because you didn’t sign up in 15 minutes. Take your time to compare options.
The ‘Fake Politeness to Aggressive Push’ Routine
Many door knockers start off overly friendly, offering to “just provide some information.”
But if you show hesitation, the charm act quickly shifts to guilt-tripping or even intimidation.
Some will even hover on your doorstep, refusing to take “no” for an answer.
Reality Check: A professional salesperson respects your time and decision. If someone won’t leave or pressures you, firmly end the conversation and close the door.
If necessary, report aggressive behavior to your local consumer protection agency.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Credentials: Call your utility company or local government office to confirm any claims made
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Never give out your Social Security number, banking info, or even your electric bill to a random salesperson.
- Get Everything In Writing: If a deal sounds good, ask for written details and take time to review them.
- Research The Solar Company: Look up reviews (Washington – Oregon), check the Better Business Bureau, and see if they have a legitimate business presence.
Not all solar salespeople are bad actors—many are professionals from reputable companies who want to help homeowners go solar the right way. But the bad ones? They’re out there, and they count on catching you off guard.
So, the next time you hear that unexpected knock at the door, stay skeptical, stay informed, and—if all else fails—pretend you’re not home.