Our consumer protection lawyers are investigating complaints from consumers about receiving unwanted telemarketing calls from companies that sell solar panels.  As many people have seen in their neighborhoods, more and more homes are installing eco-friendly solar panels that allow homeowners to generate their own clean energy and in many cases reduce monthly energy costs.  However, the increasing prevalence of solar panels in the United States as an alternative home energy source has led to aggressive sales practices that can violate the law.

Although some homeowners are certainly interested in solar technology, many have complained they get repeatedly called by solar panel salespersons despite being on the “do not call” registry or otherwise requested not to receive these telemarketing calls.  These calls might be from live salespersons or “robocalls” that contain pre-recorded messages.  Consumers have complained that when they try to opt-out or make it known they don’t wish to get any more calls that the sales pitches persist.  People sometimes have a hard time screening unwanted sales calls because companies can use technology that masks the phone number on caller ID that changes with each sales call—also sometimes called “spoofing.”

Federal Law Prohibits Unlawful Telemarketing Sales Practices

Certain telemarketing practices are illegal under a law called the Telephone Consumer Protection Act or “TCPA”.  The TCPA was passed by Congress in 1991 and was intended to limit abusive telemarketing practices by companies who called repeatedly at all hours of the day and night.  Under the TCPA it is generally illegal for companies to:

• Call or text customers who have asked not to be contacted directly with the company or the “Do-Not-Call” registry.
• Dial random phone numbers using automated dialers.
• Call using automated or artificial voices or recordings.
• Place telemarketing calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Send text messages without prior authorization.

If a company makes sales calls about solar panels without complying with the TCPA, a consumer can sue for up to $1,500 per unwanted call.  American Solar Solution was sued in a class action for allegedly making unsolicited solar panel sales calls.  More recently, a Texas resident brought a lawsuit against SolarCity Corp. alleging he received 10 unwanted calls in a two week period.

Let Us Know If You Have Received Unwanted Solar Panel Sales Calls

As solar energy continues to become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional energy sources, more companies will be rushing to sign up new customers.  If you find these companies are telemarketing to you without your permission and want to learn about your legal rights, please fill out our contact form, email us at info@consumerrightsfirst.com, or call us toll-free at 1-844-333-7660.