After a bizarre interaction with a pushy solar salesperson, one homeowner took to Reddit to share their story.
Here’s what to know
In a thread on Reddit’s Solar forum, the woman described the encounter with a door-to-door representative who wouldn’t accept that she wasn’t interested.
“I have three ‘no soliciting’ signs placed in various spots in my front yard, and who consistently ignores them and comes at me with the sales pitch? Solar bros,” the original poster wrote. “Every one of them more obnoxious than the last.”
The poster added that after the “dude shows up at my front gate …. He’s trying to dance all around the subject of why he’s here. I eventually divine his purpose and tell him I’m not interested and his response is to lean in and, with a lopsided smirk, ask [if] I’m actually the person who makes the decisions for the household.”
Commenters were quick to share their support, as well as provide the tactics they use to prevent unwanted solicitors.
One of the top comments read: “My ‘no soliciting’ sign says ‘solicitors will get their company a 1-star review with your face posted via security camera.”
Another user added, “We get those too — I can’t wait for my solar install to finish so MAYBE they see the panels and just go away.”
Multiple professionals in the solar industry chimed in, with one writing, “Those of us at reputable installers hate them too!”
The original poster added to the thread, “and for the record: I am 100% pro solar. … This is not something I can take on right now.”
For homeowners who are interested and able to take on such a project, rooftop solar — including $0-upfront leases — may offer savings of hundreds of dollars per month, depending on the case at hand. EasyHome offers a free explorer tool to estimate possible savings and find vetted local installers, letting homeowners investigate on their own terms.
And for households that want to explore energy upgrades without a doorstep pitch, EasyHome also offers the ability to compare battery storage options. Pairing solar with batteries can help households manage electricity costs and provide backup power during outages.
Where can I learn more?
Other solar shoppers have also described unwanted visits and pitches that raised red flags:
• A Home Depot shopper gave a solar company fake contact information but reported a home visit.
• A Maryland homeowner wanted solar but sought advice on avoiding “con artist-type” installers.
• A U.K. homeowner tested a “free” solar deal, and commenters urged them to flee.
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