The Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association (ISETA) is launching a new consumer awareness campaign to help consumers build trust and do their due diligence when selecting a solar installer for their home, business or farm.
The campaign will consist of social media advertising to help raise consumer awareness about best practices and help them know the right questions to ask potential installers.
“We have seen a rise in misleading advertisements from out-of-state solar companies online and heard firsthand some of the problems Iowans have faced after getting inaccurate information from bad actors,” said Genie Maybanks, executive director at ISETA, in a release. “Our goal with the consumer awareness campaign is to equip Iowans with the tools needed to make informed decisions and help connect them to trusted solar installers in their part of the state.”
ISETA has also created a code of ethics for association members to protect and advance the rights of consumers and users of solar energy systems. By signing, ISETA members are pledging to act intentionally to protect the reputation of the Solar Industry in Iowa by providing safe and effective products, accurate information, and helpful, reliable service.
In addition, ISETA has a consumer protection page on its website to help Iowans spot and avoid solar scams amid the increase in misleading advertisements online. The page helps Iowans do their due diligence and research before signing a solar contract, including topics such as contract terms, solar financing (including length of solar loan to ensure it’s not too long), who owns the panels, and policies impacting solar installations on the local, state and federal level.
According to the ISETA, Iowa’s solar industry employs more than 1,000 Iowans and supports a robust manufacturing and supply chain. All of Iowa’s 99 counties have seen solar development, spurring more than $337 million in local investment.
