Insights

Solar Tricks and Traps (Part 2)

Last updated 3 days ago by James Rendle

3 minute read

In our previous article we covered the various ways some shady solar installers attempt to maximize their profits. Today we'll be covering high pressure sales tactics and what to watch out for when dealing with solar salespeople. Solar is the largest investment a person can make after a house or a car and high pressure sales tactics are commonly used to prevent you from doing your research. Everything here is something we've heard or had to correct in the past.


Wattsup Solar does not endorse high pressure sales tactics. Our sales people are salary only and do not make a commission. We will not lock you into a contract and you are always free to cancel your project or switch contractors at any time before we have equipment installed. 

"Sign Now before "X" Changes"


Common variations of this include;

  • "If you sign our contract now, you'll be grandfathered in to Net Metering which gives a 1-1 rate on power you export."
There are no residential Net-Metering Contracts with NSP as of April 22nd, 2022. 1-1 rate for power falls under provincial law under the Self-Generation Offset Program.


  • "If you sign our contract now, you'll be able to get 100% offset of your power bill, whereas if you wait until February, March, April, you'll only be able to offset 75% of your bill." 
The percentage you can offset your bill has no relation to the Self-Generation Offset program. The current limits are 27 kW AC for residential systems which is around 70 solar panels. 


"The Canada Greener Homes Loan or Efficiency Nova Scotia Rebate is ending soon so "Sign Up Now""


Signing a contractors proposal does not protect you from either of these programs ending. In both cases, you're free to use whichever contractor you wish, even if the application was submitted with one contractors name. While it is likely that these programs will end at some point, contractors do not have any foreknowledge of this beyond the average person. 

In the case of the Solar Homes Rebate (From Efficiency Nova Scotia), the application must be submitted by a contractor and it receives pre-approval with the funds allocated in advance. The installation must take place within 1 year. 

In the case of the Canada Greener Homes Loan (From the Federal Government) the application CANNOT be submitted by a contractor, but once it is submitted and the loan approval document signed, the funds are allocated and the installation must take place within 1 year. 

"We will submit your Loan application on your behalf"


All 3rd party financing options, including PACE Atlantic, HRM's Solar City program, Energize Bridgewater, and the Canada Greener Homes Loan require the customer to submit their own application. Usually additional information is provided by the contractor, such as a quote or equipment specs. However, a growing trend is for solar salespeople to use this line when in fact the contractor is subjecting you to their own in-house financing option, which is often predatory or includes hidden interest, hidden fees, or liens against the property.