Everything You Should Know About No Cost Solar Programs in San Diego
When visiting a landing page that asks for personal information, it is important to be cautious and examine the fine print before submitting any details. Many of these pages may appear legitimate with a “100% Secure” logo, but closer inspection can reveal the true nature of how your information will be used. Hidden within the terms and conditions is often a statement that by submitting your information, you agree to have it shared with up to one Solar Company which can call and send text messages, potentially using automated technology. This means that instead of receiving a genuine assessment, your information will be sold to solar companies. These deceptive lead generation tactics are dishonest, and it is essential to remain vigilant and exercise caution when interacting with solar ads of this nature.
While it is true that there are solar incentives available, they are limited in number. In California, for example, there are only two programs that can be indirectly considered government-funded: the Federal Solar Tax Credit and the California Solar Initiatives. The Federal Solar Tax Credit offers a federal income tax credit worth 26% of the solar installation cost. However, this credit will decrease at the end of this year and will completely expire after three years. Therefore, there is a deadline to take advantage of this opportunity to save on going solar. The California Solar Initiatives include programs such as the Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program and the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program. These initiatives provide upfront rebates for low-income households to help them access solar energy. While the SASH program has been extended until 2021 and has already assisted over 5,200 homes, the MASH program has exhausted its funds for SDG&E but is still available for PGE and SCE territories. These are the only existing programs, and there are no plans for additional programs in the future. Any claims of “Government No-Cost Solar Programs” should be viewed with skepticism as they are deceptive and designed to obtain your information.
It is crucial to understand the difference between “No Cost Solar” and “No Money Down Solar.” While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings. “No Cost Solar” does not exist, as solar installations, like most home improvements, come with costs. However, “No Money Down Solar” refers to financing options available through solar companies. With this option, there is no upfront payment, but rather a monthly loan payment to pay off the loan. It is important to note that this type of financing is not a government program and is offered through solar and financing companies.
To identify lead generation ads, it is important to be vigilant. These deceptive ads are often created by solar lead generation companies, which collect your information and distribute it to multiple companies, resulting in numerous calls and emails. Many homeowners are unaware that their information is being distributed and mistakenly believe they are signing up for a government program. Hence, it is crucial to research any company before submitting personal information. Some key things to validate and look for before sharing information include:
1. Suspicious Company Names: Be wary of companies with generic names like “San Diego Solar Company” or “San Diego Solar Program.” These names tend to indicate a lack of legitimacy, but further research can be done to ensure the company’s credibility.
2. Skimpy Social Media Profiles: Check the company’s presence on social media platforms like Facebook. If they have few followers, limited posts, or no presence at all, it is wise to be skeptical.
3. Skimpy Websites: Take the time to thoroughly explore the company’s website before filling out any forms. A one-page website with generic content or insufficient information about the company’s history or personnel should raise suspicions.
4. Bad or No Reviews: Check reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews to gauge the company’s reputation. If there are too many negative reviews or if the company is not listed on these platforms, it is best to avoid engaging with them.
5. No other online presence: Conduct a Google search to see if the company has multiple listings on local directory sites. A legitimate company will have a stronger online presence beyond their website and social media platforms.
In summary, advertisements claiming “No Cost San Diego Solar Programs” or “Government Solar Programs Allowing Zero Down Payment” are deceptive and do not exist. These ads are designed to gather your information and distribute it to multiple companies. It is vital to conduct thorough research and ensure that you are providing your information to a genuine and reputable company before proceeding.
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