The United States is on an ambitious journey to revolutionize its energy landscape. By 2035, the goal is to install a staggering 1,000 gigawatts of solar power, a milestone that’s critical for decarbonizing the national electrical grid. In California, Senate Bill 100 sets a renewable goal of serving 100% of retail sales and state loads with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)-certified renewable and zero-carbon energy by 2045. In Arizona, their Renewable Energy Standard requires electric utilities to increase their use of renewable energy each year until it represents 15 percent of their power by 2025. An increasing share of that power—at least 30 percent after 2011—must come from distributed systems developed at local homes and businesses. These goals are fueled by climate change awareness, and their achievement is helped by attractive incentives introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act as well as state rebates and programs.
With residential electricity costs on the rise, Americans are increasingly turning to solar panels, investing in a sustainable future. In fact, 2022 marked a record-breaking year with the addition of 6.4 gigawatts of small-scale solar, the highest ever recorded by the Energy Information Association. As of 2022, California has the largest installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) power in the United States. California’s solar capacity at the end of 2022 was 38,145 megawatts, which is enough to power 10.5 million homes. California also has more rooftop solar panels than any other state. In 2022, Arizona’s solar capacity was 5,000 megawatts, which is enough to power 800,000 homes. California and Arizona rank one and three on the list for total installed solar in the United States, respectively.
However, this solar boom has brought with it an unexpected challenge: the emergence of aggressive sales tactics by individuals more focused on their profit margins than on the benefits of renewable energy. Across the country, these salespeople are taking to the streets, knocking on doors, and dialing numbers, sometimes in violation of Do Not Call lists and ignoring No Soliciting signs. Their approach to selling solar is often characterized by a lack of genuine knowledge about renewable energy and a reliance on misleading tactics.
These independent contractors, not tied to any specific solar installer, are exploiting the current demand for solar installations. Their aggressive marketing often targets vulnerable populations, including the elderly and low-income households, with pitches that are less than transparent. Those knocking on doors are often just looking to set appointments to complete a quota, and there can be very high pressure about it.
At Renova Energy, we believe in the power and potential of solar energy, but also in the importance of ethical sales practices. We’re committed to providing our customers with honest, clear information about the benefits and costs of solar installations. Our team consists of knowledgeable professional consultants who are passionate about renewable energy and dedicated to helping homeowners make informed decisions that are right for them. We don’t knock on doors, and we don’t cold call.
If you’re considering solar for your home, we encourage you to do your research, ask questions, and choose a reputable company that values integrity and transparency. Solar energy is a significant investment in your home and our planet’s future, and it should be handled with care and expertise.
Ready to explore solar energy with a company that cares? Contact Renova Energy today. We’re here to light the way to a brighter, greener future.
