How to spot a bad solar pitch (and the 8 red flags that should kill the deal)

The 8 red flags

1. "This pricing expires tonight." — There is no time-sensitive solar discount. Federal credits aren't disappearing this week. Utility rates aren't doubling next month. Pressure to sign today is the single clearest sign of a commission rep.
2. "You're getting solar free / the government is paying for it." — Untrue. Federal tax credits are non-refundable credits against income tax. They reduce what you owe; they don't pay for the system. Anyone telling you solar is "free" is misrepresenting the contract.
3. "I'm with the utility / from the city." — No utility employee or municipal worker sells residential solar at the door. This is impersonation. Ask for a business card with a verifiable address.
4. "Sign here and we'll figure out the design later." — A real installer designs the system in Aurora before the contract — exact panel count, production estimate, roof layout. If they can't show you the model, the install hasn't been planned.
5. "Workmanship warranty? You'll get something when we install." — A 25-year solar contract should have the workmanship warranty in writing on the proposal you sign, not handed to you on installation day.
6. "Lease vs. buy? Doesn't matter, you save either way." — Wildly different financial outcomes. A real rep walks you through both math models in detail. Vagueness here is intentional.
7. "We're partners with [your utility]." — Solar installers are not partners with retail electric providers. They interconnect with utilities, but they're not affiliated. This claim is a marketing trick.
8. "Your panel design is custom — I can't show you the savings model." — The savings model is a spreadsheet anyone can produce in 5 minutes from your usage. Refusal to show it means it's bad.

60-second verification of any pitch

1. Ask for the company's full legal name and Texas Comptroller record. Search comptroller.texas.gov for free.
2. Ask for three Texas references with addresses and install dates 2+ years old.
3. Ask for a written design proposal you can take to two other installers for comparison.
4. Ask whether the install crew is W-2 employees or subcontractors — and get the specific subcontractor's name if applicable.
5. Search the company on the BBB (bbb.org), the Texas Attorney General's consumer complaints database, and Reddit r/solar.

What honest pitches sound like

• "Here's the design we modeled in Aurora. Here's the per-panel production estimate. Take it home."
• "Our workmanship warranty is 25 years, written on page 3 of the contract."
• "You should get two more quotes. We'll wait."
• "Here's our Texas Comptroller registration and our master electrician's license number."
• "The federal tax credit is a question for your CPA. We don't give tax advice."

Why this happens