TL;DR: If someone knocks on your door selling solar in 2026, stay alert. While new state laws now offer more protection, aggressive sales reps still use misleading claims about “free” panels or “emergency” utility inspections. Here’s how to spot the red flags under the latest regulations.
“I’m from your utility company”
Some door knockers claim to be from Puget Sound Energy, PGE, or Pacific Power. They often wear high-vis vests and carry badges that look official.
They claim:
“I’m here to perform a mandatory meter inspection for the state energy mandate.”
“I need to see your bill to apply your 2026 ‘Clean Energy’ credit.”
“Your service will be interrupted if you don’t upgrade to a solar-ready meter today.”
Reality: Utility companies never go door-to-door to sell solar or solar-related services. In 2026, utilities like Seattle City Light have issued formal warnings: they do not partner with third-party installers. If someone makes this claim, they are violating the Washington Solar Consumer Protection Act.
The ‘Federal Tax Credit’ bait-and-switch
This is a major scam in 2026. Since the residential federal tax credit (ITC) for homeowners officially expired on December 31, 2025, shady reps are still promising a “30% government check.”
Reality: For most residential homeowners, that direct 30% credit is gone. Some companies can still offer savings through leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) where the company takes a commercial credit and passes a lower monthly payment to you—but if they promise you a personal tax refund, they are lying.
The ‘New State Law’ Trick (Washington & Oregon)
With Washington’s Solar Consumer Protection Act (2024) and Oregon’s House Bill 4029 (effective June 2026), scammers are now “weaponizing” the law to sound legitimate.
They claim:
“Under the new 2026 state law, every home in this zip code is required to have a solar assessment.”
“I’m a state-certified ‘Consumer Protection Officer’ here to help you qualify for the new $10M ODOE rebate fund.”
Reality: These laws were passed to stop scammers, not to mandate solar. While there is new funding for the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) rebates, these are applied for through licensed contractors, not through people knocking on your door.
The ‘Let Me See Your Electric Bill’ Trick
A sales rep asks for your bill to “see if your roof qualifies.” In reality, they are looking for your account number and energy usage data to build a high-pressure (and often inaccurate) quote.
Reality: Your utility bill is private financial data. Under new 2026 protections, reputable companies must provide you with a standardized disclosure in plain language before you sign anything. If they won’t give you a written bid without “holding” your bill, walk away.
How to Protect Yourself in 2026
Ask for the ‘Plain Language’ Disclosure: In Oregon (as of June 5, 2026) and Washington, installers are legally required to provide specific, easy-to-read disclosures regarding costs, financing, and total system performance.
Check the ‘Trade Ally’ Status: If you are in Oregon, ask if they are an Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally. This is the only way to access the $2,500+ state incentives safely.
Verify the License: Use the Washington L&I or Oregon CCB websites to ensure their license is active and hasn’t been flagged for “Deceptive Sales Practices.”
Ignore ‘24-Hour’ Deadlines: Real incentives like the Solar Within Reach program for low-to-moderate income households do not expire in a single afternoon.
If you’ve been targeted by a door-to-door scammer, or have questions about how the 2026 incentive changes affect your home, give us a call or request a free, no-pressure quote.
