The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) is addressing a surge in door-to-door solar scams by establishing a specialized "Solar Investigations Unit." This new unit aims to tackle the 20 percent of complaints related to solar scams, providing resources to inform the public and enhancing consumer outreach. The board also offers a program to aid victims of such scams financially.

Purchasing rooftop solar systems can significantly reduce power bills through net metering. However, scammers often mislead homeowners with false promises of rebates and eliminated energy bills. Dave Behar, NSCB's deputy executive officer, emphasizes the importance of taking time before making decisions on solar installations or other contractor work. The board holds meetings with companies named in complaints and collaborates with law enforcement for criminal investigations. Notably, a Las Vegas solar company manager was arrested in April 2024 for allegedly stealing nearly $250,000 from elderly homeowners without performing any work.

Sen. Fabian Doñate (D-Las Vegas) sponsored SB293 in the 2023 legislative session to enhance consumer protections for solar system buyers. The bill introduces a three-day grace period for contract cancellation and mandates that solar panel sellers be employees of the solar company, addressing issues with 1099 independent contractors. Despite these measures, victims like Mario Danilo Cordoba continue to suffer from incomplete installations and unresponsive companies. Cordoba's experience with Flex Energy Solar highlights the ongoing challenges in combating solar scams in Nevada.

Source: thenevadaindependent.com