Fraud Alert in Home Solar Systems Selling

[email protected] | 26th May 2023

A new type of fraud has recently been brought to the notice of authorities and consumers.

Some non-descript and non-empaneled small-time companies are cheating unsuspecting homeowners by mis-selling solar systems under the promise of Solar Subsidies, selling you cheap second-hand Solar Panels, etc.

Know your rights and make a considered choice. Here is a brief list of some of the common frauds and mis-selling techniques used by these fraudsters, and how you should deal with them. For a detailed list of such frauds and mis-selling, please write to us.

Item	FRAUD/ Mis-Selling	Know ‘Your Rights’ and Facts	How to Tackle Fraud
Solar Subsidy Cashback ‘FRAUD’	1. Falsely Promising Subsidy while not being empaneled with DISCOMs 2. Offering Subsidy illegally through some empaneled vendors, and asking Clients to shell out 40~50% of the Subsidy amount 3. Keeping customers in the dark. Not mentioning about Subsidy in Customer Proposals	Only DISCOM empaneled vendors eligible for subsidy process You have right to get 100% of the eligible subsidy amount Subsidy is your right. By avoiding, the vendor may not meet MNRE’s quality & free AMC requirements	Check the Vendor’s empanelment status for subsidy online at National Solar Portal Ensure ‘Subsidy’, ‘DCR Panels’, etc. is clearly committed by empaneled vendor
‘Solar Panels’ FRAUD	1. Using Non-DCR Solar Panels (as they are cheaper than DCR Panels) 2. Falsely writing Non-DCR Panels as DCR Panels in the Subsidy application 3. Using cheap downgraded *second-hand Solar Panels*	Only DCR Panels are eligible for Subsidy It’s illegal. The subsidy application goes in Client’s name. The ‘fraud’ will sit under your name. Such Panels underperform significantly. 25 Years warranty also invalid.	Ensure the Vendor gives approved DCR Solar Panels only Ask for proof. Don’t sign on false claims. Else you become a defaulter. Ensure only new panels are supplied.
‘Free AMC’ FRAUD	Not mentioning 5 Year Free maintenance in Customer Proposals	As per MNRE, you have a right to get 5 Year Free AMC	Work only with ‘credible’ companies. Most vendors vanish after installation.
General FRAUD	Vendors commit prominent makes of Panels, Inverters, Cables, etc.; but supply cheaper and 2^nd hand material Structure height not communicated clearly. During installation, they ask for more money.	Vendor required to supply what they commit. And only new material. Elevated structures cost more depending on the height.	Ensure ‘credibility’ of vendors before paying advance; get details in black and white beforehand

Penny-wise but Pound-foolish?

We all like to save money and get highest discounts when we buy something. But it is important to ensure we do not fall for such frauds and traps. Is it worthwhile to fall for a lower price system if…?

You get stuck with your advance payment, and then forced to shell out more
The system fails after few months only
You don’t get your full eligible Subsidy or no subsidy at all
If no one turns up to service your system or to manage warranty claims
The DISCOM cancels your Net-Metering later
Your Subsidy Cashback gets canceled

Solar is a One-Time Investment.

Choose Wisely. Choose Long-Term Quality, Performance, and Service.

Go Solar Now

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This article is put together by Team MYSUN. With a diverse experience of many years in the world of Solar and a flair for writing, the article put together, showcases our views after thorough research and domain expertise. You can always reach out to us with your feedback, suggestions or queries using the Contact Us page or our social media handles.

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