Getting solar should feel empowering—but instead, some national companies have turned it into a confusing maze of marketing gimmicks, fuzzy math, and too-good-to-be-true promises.
If you’ve ever been told, “This system will wipe out your bill,” or “You’ll save money from day one,” you might want to pause.
In this post, we’re breaking down real quotes from national installers (renamed with a bit of shade). Each quote has issues ranging from inflated costs to IRS-unfriendly tax claims. We’ll help you learn how to spot the tricks and what to ask before you sign anything.
A Warning About High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Some national solar companies have adopted a sales strategy that misleads homeowners into signing contracts they don’t realize are binding.
Here’s how it typically plays out:
- A salesperson tells the homeowner they need a signature just to get a “quote” or “design preview.”
- They assure the homeowner it’s “not the contract” and say it’s “no big deal” or “totally cancelable.”
- In reality, that signature starts the legal three-day cancellation window.
- If the homeowner doesn’t send a written cancellation in time—even though they never intended to sign a contract—they’re suddenly charged $500 to $1,000 in cancellation fees.
This kind of deception is exactly what erodes trust in the solar industry.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen this behavior from companies who have told customers it’s “just a step to get the quote” or that “you can cancel anytime.” By the time the homeowner realizes they’ve inadvertently started a legal contract, it may be too late to avoid the fee.
At A&R Solar, we believe a quote should be a quote—not a trap.
- We never require a signed contract to provide pricing.
- We clearly inform homeowners when they are entering a legally binding agreement.
- And we honor the full three-day cancellation period without pressuring anyone to commit on the spot.
Let’s analyze some quotes to show you examples of some claims you’ll want to look for.
Exhibit A: Sunshine & Shenanigans
A quote filled with charm, optimism, and… costly oversights.
The Scenario:
- System size: 5.06 kW (11 panels)
- Annual usage: 4,100 kWh
- Estimated production (Year 1): 5,039 kWh
- Loan amount: $28,138
- Savings projection: –$267 over 30 years
- System degradation shown: 0.25% per year
- Offset claimed: 123%
- Production guarantee: 2 years
Claim: “This solar system will save you money!”
Reality: The proposal shows a net loss of $267 over 30 years—even with favorable assumptions baked in.
It suggests that the system will entirely eliminate your utility bill and lead to long-term savings. But when you break it down:
- The customer is paying more for solar than they would by simply staying with the utility.
- That projection assumes perfect Year 1 production every year, but in reality, solar systems degrade over time.
Let’s Talk About Degradation:
Most panels experience slight but steady performance loss—typically 0.25–0.5% per year.
That means:
- By Year 10, your system could be producing 2–5% less energy than it did in Year 1.
- Over 25 years, you might see a 10–15% total reduction in output.
Sunshine & Shenanigans quietly includes a 0.25% degradation rate in the quote—but never explains how it affects your actual savings. There’s no modeling, no context, and no adjustment to the lifetime value based on lower production in future years.
Some companies ignore degradation altogether or use Year 1 output for all 25–30 years, giving the illusion of higher returns than you’ll ever see.
Example: If your system starts out producing 5,039 kWh per year, it may only produce around 4,650 kWh by Year 25. That gap means you’re more dependent on utility power over time, cutting into your savings just when energy prices may be at their highest.
Claim: “$0 payments for the first 18 months—it’s risk-free!”
Reality: Not quite.
Here’s what actually happens:
- You take out a $28,138 loan through their preferred lender
- Sunshine & Shenanigans sends you reimbursement checks for the first 18 months—but you’re still making monthly payments to the lender.
- They’ve simply inflated the cost of the system to “cover” the reimbursements
Translation: You’re paying yourself back with your own borrowed money.
Example: If the same system was priced at $21,000 by a reputable local installer, you could save over $7,000 upfront—and not need a gimmick to “afford” it.
Claim: “You’re covered by our warranties and guarantees!”
Warranty | Time | What's Missing |
Panel & Inverter | 25 Years | Manufacturer warranty only; not company-backed. If manufacturer doesn't cover labor, you will. |
Workmanship | 10 Years | Only covers installation defects, not poor design. |
Production Guarantee | 2 Years | No long-term performance protection. |
Sunshine & Shenanigans offers a 2-year production guarantee, which is barely enough time to spot long-term issues like shading problems, improper orientation, or faulty system sizing. Most reputable companies offer 10 to 25-year production guarantees that actually back up their performance estimates.
Example: If your system underperforms due to poor placement or underestimated shading starting in year 3, you’ll be stuck with a lower-performing system and no recourse.
Exhibit B: Glow Hard Solar
This proposal mixes flashy offers with questionable tax advice and tricky financing.
The Scenario:
- Includes a full re-roof
- Cash price: $50,607
- Financed price (3.99% loan): $70,267
- Tax credit claimed: $22,012.38 (based on full system + roof)
- Marketing claims: True bill swap, no remaining utility charges
Claim: “You’ll get a 30% tax credit on the whole project—including your new roof!”
Reality: This is flat-out wrong under IRS guidelines.
What qualifies:
- Panels
- Inverters
- Mounting hardware
- Related electrical work
- Batteries (if installed with solar)
What doesn’t:
- Roofing shingles, decking, or underlayment unrelated to panel mounting
Glow Hard Solar includes the cost of the roof in their tax credit estimate, which could result in a fraudulent tax claim if the customer takes it at face value. Homeowners could end up:
- Owing money back to the IRS
- Facing penalties
- Getting audited
Claim: “You’re getting a low 3.99% loan—great deal!”
Reality: That “deal” comes with a massive markup.
Claim: “$0 payments for the first 18 months—it’s risk-free!”
Reality: Not quite.
Here’s what actually happens:
- You take out a $28,138 loan through their preferred lender
- Sunshine & Shenanigans sends you reimbursement checks for the first 18 months—but you’re still making monthly payments to the lender.
- They’ve simply inflated the cost of the system to “cover” the reimbursements
Translation: You’re paying yourself back with your own borrowed money.
Example: If the same system was priced at $21,000 by a reputable local installer, you could save over $7,000 upfront—and not need a gimmick to “afford” it.
Claim: “You’re covered by our warranties and guarantees!”
Reality: That “deal” comes with a massive markup.
Warranty | Time | What's Missing |
Panel & Inverter | 25 Years | Manufacturer warranty only; not company-backed. If manufacturer doesn't cover labor, you will. |
Workmanship | 10 Years | Only covers installation defects, not poor design. |
Production Guarantee | 2 Years | No long-term performance protection. |
That’s a nearly $20,000 increase to access a lower rate—classic sign of a hidden dealer fee or loan buy-down baked into the system price.
Example: You think you’re saving money on interest, but you’re paying an extra $19k up front. Over 25 years, that adds up to thousands more in total repayment, even with the lower rate.
Claim: “This is a true bill swap—no more utility bills!”
Reality: Highly unlikely.
Glow Hard Solar claims that even the utility’s basic monthly fee will be offset by your system, including a battery. But they ignore real-world factors:
- Grid connection fees (often $10–25/month) are still required.
- Batteries don’t cover long periods of low sun or high use.
Example: Even with a battery, most solar homes still see some utility charges throughout the year. A bill under $20 is possible. A bill of $0 every month for 25 years? Not realistic.
Exhibit C: Your Local Solar Partner
(That’s us, A&R Solar)
Let’s contrast the national gimmicks with a quote from a transparent, locally owned solar company. This proposal is from A&R Solar, a B-Corp and employee-owned company known for high-integrity practices.
The Scenario:
- System size: 19.78 kW (46 Silfab panels)
- Annual usage: ~22,975 kWh
- Estimated offset: 82%
- Price per watt: $2.42
- Total cost (pre-tax credit): $47,848
- Loan option: 15 years @ 7.25%
- Production guarantee: 10 years, 110% minimum performance
- Federal tax credit guidance: Clear disclaimers
Claim: “Here’s exactly what you’re getting, and what it will do.”
Reality: A&R’s proposal includes:
- System layout and equipment specs
- Realistic offset (82%) tailored to the customer’s usage and site
- No exaggerated promises about wiping out the electric bill
This honest approach helps customers understand their true financial and energy outcomes without overhyping the benefits.
Claim: “You’ll save money over time—here’s how.”
Reality: A&R models:
- 4.5% utility rate escalation
- 0.25% annual degradation, explicitly noted and included in all long-term savings estimates.
- Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE): 9.03¢/kWh over 30 years, far below expected utility costs
The financial projection is not just a single 30-year number. It’s backed by clear tables showing annual savings, ROI comparisons, and even performance relative to other investments.
Claim: “You’re protected for the long haul.”
Reality:
- 25-year panel & inverter warranties
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- 10-year 110% production guarantee
- 10-year equipment replacement coverage
Compare that to Sunshine & Shenanigans’ 2-year production guarantee. A&R offers meaningful protection through the critical decade when performance issues typically show up.
Claim: “Your financing is fair and transparent.”
Reality:
- Loan amount matches system cost.
- No evidence of dealer fees or inflated loan pricing.
- All tax credit disclaimers are clearly marked with IRS-compliant language.
Unlike national competitors, A&R explicitly states: “The cost of roof repairs should not be included in calculating the tax credit,” avoiding the very IRS pitfalls seen in quotes from Glow Hard Solar.
Claim: “We’ll help you understand your system for years to come.”
Reality: A&R Includes:
- PV Watts-based energy modeling.
- Real monthly performance estimates.
- Net metering education.
- A dedicated service department for post-installation support.
No vague promises. Just support that stays with the homeowner.
Cacellation Protection in WA & OR
Know Your Rights: Cancellation Protection in WA & OR
It’s not just what’s in the solar quote that matters—it’s also how it’s presented. High-pressure tactics are unfortunately common in this industry, but you have rights as a consumer.
Your Rights to Cancel
In both Washington and Oregon, homeowners have a legal right to cancel a contract within three business days of signing it, without penalty. This is part of federal and state consumer protection laws, and it applies to most home improvement contracts, including solar installations.
If you signed something under pressure, you can change your mind within three business days and walk away—even if the company tells you otherwise.
Real Red Flags to Watch For:
❌ Fake Deadlines and Pressure to Sign
One of our sales team members recently lost a job to someone who was pressured by Glow Hard Solar (PureLight Power).
The homeowner was told, falsely, that the company had “already moved forward with her project” and would charge a huge cancellation fee if she backed out—when all they had done was provide a quote.
That kind of pressure violates the spirit of consumer protection laws and erodes trust in the industry.
❌ Bogus Cancellation Fees for Quotes
Another homeowner shared that Glow Hard Solar quoted him a system at double the price of A&R Solar.
When he pushed back, they offered a sudden 50% discount. After declining, the company tried to charge him $500 just for providing the quote.
Fortunately, with some guidance, he responded clearly and got out of the situation. But many homeowners don’t know they can say no.
✅ What Ethical Solar Sales Looks Like:
- No cancellation penalties for estimates or proposals.
- Clear, written disclosure of your 3-day right to cancel.
- No pressure to sign during the first visit.
- Transparent pricing up-front—no bait-and-switch.
- Respect for your time and decision-making process.
If a company is confident in its offering, it won’t pressure you into signing on the spot.
How to Protect Yourself (With Real Examples)
Before signing anything, ask the right questions. What seems like a simple quote could turn out to be a binding contract—with hidden costs, misleading math, or vague protections.
Ask This | Example to Watch Out For |
What's the price per Watt? |
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Does the tax credit exclude non-solar items? |
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Is the loan rate tied to inflated costs? |
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What's included in the production guarantee? |
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What's the difference between cash & financed price? |
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Are there pressure tactics or fake deadlines? |
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Not all solar companies operate with integrity. Some rely on misleading language, fuzzy math, and vague guarantees to close deals fast.
Solar is a big investment, and you should not be pressured to make a decision from a place of fear or misinformation.
When you ask the right questions and look past the surface, you’ll find the truth buried in the quote. Solar should be transparent, not tricky.
Companies like A&R Solar prove that solar done right can be a safe, low-risk investment with clear returns, fair terms, and long-term protection.
If you’ve received a quote that seems “off,” we’re happy to break it down and show you what’s really going on.