LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Solar can save homeowners money on their electric bills, yet solar scams cost other homeowners millions every year.
Solar scams have surged in Nevada. The Nevada State Contractors Board said a third of all complaints are from homeowners about solar companies.
It launched a Solar Investigative Unit in May to go after solar companies with theft, fraud, abandonment, diversion of funds and unlicensed contracting complaints.
Now one organization, called the Nevada Solar Association wants to connect homeowners to real and ethical solar companies. The NSA vets every business applying for membership.
It also requires those businesses to have a brick-and-mortar store in Nevada. Each member has to follow the organization’s Code of Ethics.
Stephen Hamile is the Chief Operating Officer of Sol-up, a Las Vegas solar provider. He’s also the Chair of the Nevada Solar Association. He hopes the NSA restores Nevadans faith in solar energy.
“We’re happy that there’s like-minded people that want to make a positive choice to cleanup our own industry,” Hamile added. “If we don’t police ourselves, we’re going to be policed by others and that’s a far less beneficial alternative.”
In the weeks since the NSA’s launch, Hamile said many homeowners have called to report an unscrupulous company.
The NSA believes state lawmakers have taken steps to stop bad solar actors but hopes the legislature will pass more laws in the next session.
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