How to Report a Solar Scam to the Nevada Attorney General's Office. -> Organic Traffic Done-For-You

Summry: Solar scam complaints in Nevada have skyrocketed 455% since 2021, with older people being the primary targets. If you’ve been approached by a “government-affiliated” solar company or pressured into signing immediately, here’s exactly how to fight back.

Key Takeaways

Nevada residents can report solar scams directly to the Attorney General’s office through multiple contact methods, including phone, online forms, and email
Solar scam complaints have increased by approximately 455% from 2021 to 2024, with most victims being adults 60 years or older
The Nevada State Contractors Board receives nearly 3,000 complaints annually, with approximately 1,000 involving solar companies
Proper documentation, including contracts, payment records, and communication logs, strengthens scam reports and helps investigators build cases
Attorney General Aaron Ford actively investigates consumer fraud and has secured over $118.5 million in recoveries for Nevada consumers

Solar scams cost Nevada homeowners thousands of dollars each year through fraudulent practices and misleading sales tactics. When deceptive solar companies target residents, reporting these scams protects both individual victims and the broader community from ongoing fraud.

Common Solar Scams Targeting Nevada Homeowners

Solar scams in Nevada take many forms, from completely fraudulent businesses to legitimate companies using misleading information. These scams reach homeowners through door-to-door sales, telephone calls, online interactions, and official-sounding company names designed to deceive consumers.

Government imposter scams have become particularly widespread in Nevada. Companies falsely claim government affiliation by using names like “Nevada Department of Clean Energy” when no such agency exists. These fraudsters exploit official-sounding titles to convince homeowners their business operates on behalf of state, county, or city governments.

False savings promises represent another common tactic. Sales representatives often claim homeowners will eliminate electricity bills, which simply isn’t accurate. Even with solar panels, customers typically continue receiving both utility bills and solar company payments. Understanding protection strategies helps homeowners recognize these misleading claims before signing contracts.

When You Should Report a Solar Scam

1. Government imposter claims and fake affiliations

Report immediately when solar companies claim government affiliation or use official-sounding agency names. Nevada has no state agency promoting or selling solar systems door-to-door. Companies using names suggesting government connection violate consumer protection laws and warrant immediate Attorney General attention.

2. False savings promises and ‘free’ solar offers

Solar companies making unrealistic savings claims or offering “free” solar installations require reporting. While solar can reduce energy costs, claims about completely eliminating utility bills are false and misleading. True solar savings depend on multiple factors, including system size, energy usage, and local utility rates.

3. High-pressure sales tactics and immediate signing demands

Pressure tactics demanding same-day contract signing indicate fraudulent operations. Legitimate solar companies respect customers’ need to review contracts thoroughly and make informed decisions. Representatives who refuse to provide adequate review time or threaten limited-time offers likely operate deceptive businesses.

4. Excessive down payment demands beyond Nevada limits

Nevada law limits down payments for residential solar projects to either 10% of the total contract value or $1,000, whichever is less. Companies demanding higher down payments violate state law and require immediate reporting to protect other potential victims.

5. Unlicensed contractor activity and missing protections

All solar installers must hold valid Nevada contractor licenses from the Nevada State Contractors Board. They may be licensed under License Classification C-37 (solar contracting) or perform solar work under other classifications, such as C-1 (plumbing and heating) for solar thermal installations, or C-2 (electrical contracting) for photovoltaics. Additionally, a PV installer must hold a license as a photovoltaic installer, issued by the Department of Business and Industry, Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health. Unlicensed contractor work represents approximately 40% of solar-related fraud cases reported to the Nevada State Contractors Board. Missing required consumer protections like three-day cancellation rights also indicate illegal operations.

How to File Your Solar Scam Complaint

File online through the Attorney General’s website

The Nevada Attorney General’s office provides online complaint forms accessible through ag.nv.gov. Online filing allows detailed documentation submission and creates permanent records for investigators. The system accepts uploaded documents, including contracts, communications, and payment records supporting complaint details.

Contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection hotline

Direct phone contact with the Bureau of Consumer Protection provides immediate assistance for urgent solar scam situations. The Consumer Hotline at (702) 486-3132 or toll-free at (888) 434-9989 connects Nevada residents with trained staff who can guide reporting procedures and provide immediate advice for ongoing scam situations.

Additional contact numbers include the Carson City office at (775) 684-1100, Las Vegas office at (702) 486-3420, and Reno office at (775) 687-2100. Email contacts include info@ag.nv.gov for general inquiries and aginfo@ag.nv.gov for specific consumer issues.

Gather documentation before filing

Collect all materials related to solar transactions before filing complaints. Required documentation includes signed contracts, sales presentations, email communications, text messages, payment records, and photos of property or installation work. Audio or video recordings of sales presentations provide particularly valuable evidence for investigators.

What Documentation You Need to Include

1. Personal information and company details

Complete personal information includes full name, contact details, and property address where solar work occurred. Company information should include business name and aliases used, sales representative names, physical address or website, and any license numbers claimed by the company.

2. Contracts, advertisements, and company promises

Provide all written materials, including contracts, sales brochures, advertisements, and promotional materials. Document specific promises made by sales representatives, especially claims about savings, government affiliations, or special offers. Include screenshots of company websites or social media advertisements used during the sales process.

3. Timeline of events and financial losses

Create detailed timelines including dates of initial contact, sales presentations, contract signing, and payment schedules. Document specific misleading statements made during sales interactions and calculate total financial losses, including down payments, monthly payments, and additional costs incurred.

4. Communication records and witness information

Include email chains, text message screenshots, voicemails, and any recorded conversations with company representatives. Provide witness contact information if others observed sales presentations or deceptive practices. Documentation of follow-up attempts to contact the company helps establish patterns of avoidance or unresponsiveness.

Additional Nevada Consumer Protection Resources

Nevada State Contractors Board

The Nevada State Contractors Board operates a specialized Solar Investigations Unit addressing the increasing number of solar-related complaints. Homeowners can check contractor licenses at nscb.nv.gov or email solar-specific complaints to solar@nscb.state.nv.us. The board investigates both licensed and unlicensed contractors and handles licensing violations.

Nevada Consumer Affairs

Nevada Consumer Affairs, part of the Department of Business and Industry, assists residents experiencing financial hardship or loss due to fraud or deceptive business practices. Contact their toll-free number at (844) 594-7275 or visit consumeraffairs.nv.gov for additional support and resources beyond Attorney General services.

Nevada Department of Business and Industry

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada operates a Consumer Complaint Resolution Division investigating complaints against solar installation companies. Contact Southern Nevada at (702) 486-2600 or Northern Nevada at (775) 684-6100. This resource handles utility-related solar issues and works in coordination with other state agencies to protect consumer interests.

Your Report Helps Protect Other Nevada Homeowners

Individual solar scam reports contribute to building cases against fraudulent operators. Attorney General Ford actively combats misinformation about solar energy and holds companies accountable for misleading sales practices. The Bureau of Consumer Protection has secured over $118.5 million in recoveries for Nevada consumers, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts.

Reporting solar scams helps investigators identify patterns of fraudulent activity and take enforcement action against repeat offenders. Even if individual cases don’t result in personal restitution, complaints provide needed evidence to stop fraudulent operators from victimizing other Nevada residents. The Nevada solar scam complaint process protects entire communities when homeowners take prompt action against deceptive practices.

Your complaint may provide the evidence needed to shut down fraudulent operations and prevent additional victims in Nevada communities. Contact the Attorney General’s office today to file your solar scam report and help protect fellow homeowners from financial harm.

M&J Trusted Marketing helps Nevada homeowners navigate complex consumer protection issues and make informed decisions about solar energy investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I report a solar scam to the Nevada Attorney General?

Report immediately when you encounter sales representatives claiming government affiliation, demands for excessive down payments, missing contract protections, or misleading energy savings claims. Quick reporting helps investigators gather fresh evidence and prevents the company from scamming other homeowners.

What makes a solar company fraudulent in Nevada?

Companies become fraudulent when they operate without proper licenses, make false government claims, demand illegal down payments (over 10% or $1,000), provide misleading energy savings information, or skip required consumer protections like three-day cancellation rights.

Can I report a solar scam even if I didn't lose money?

Yes. Report any misleading sales tactics or fraudulent behavior even if you didn't complete the transaction. Your report helps protect other Nevada homeowners and builds evidence against scam operators.

How much does it cost to file a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General?

Filing complaints with the Nevada Attorney General costs nothing. The service is free for all Nevada residents.

What's the best way to contact the Nevada Attorney General about solar scams?

Call the Consumer Hotline at (702) 486-3132 or contact the office nearest you: Carson City (775) 684-1100, Las Vegas (702) 486-3420, or Reno (775) 687-2100. You can also email aginfo@ag.nv.gov for consumer issues.

Can I file my complaint online?

The Nevada Attorney General's Office accepts complaints through multiple channels including phone, email, and written submissions. Contact them directly for current online filing options.

What hours is the Nevada AG office open for solar scam reports?

The office operates during regular business hours. Leave detailed voicemails if calling after hours, including your contact information and a brief description of the scam.

Do I need to speak English to file a complaint?

No. Complaint forms are available in English and Spanish. The office can assist with other language needs during the filing process.

What documents do I need to report a solar scam?

Gather all materials related to your solar transaction including contracts, sales presentations, emails, text messages, payment records, photos of installation work, and any audio or video recordings of sales interactions.

What if I don't have written contracts or receipts?

Report anyway. Provide whatever information you have including dates, company names, representative names, and specific misleading statements made. Investigators can work with incomplete documentation.

Should I record solar sales presentations?

Yes, when possible. Nevada law allows recording of in-person sales presentations on your property. These recordings provide valuable evidence if disputes arise later.

How long should I keep solar scam documentation?

Keep all documents related to solar scams indefinitely. Even years later, your evidence might help with ongoing investigations or new cases against the same company.

How long does it take for the Nevada Attorney General to investigate solar scams?

Investigation timelines vary depending on case complexity and evidence availability. Simple cases may take weeks while complex fraud schemes can take months or longer to fully investigate.

Will I get my money back if I report a solar scam?

The Attorney General cannot guarantee restitution, but successful cases may result in civil penalties that include consumer restitution. Your complaint helps build cases that can lead to financial recovery.

Can the Nevada Attorney General represent me in court?

No. The Attorney General represents the state's interests, not individual consumers in personal legal matters. They investigate patterns of fraud and pursue enforcement actions against companies.

What happens to companies found guilty of solar scams?

Companies may face civil penalties, criminal charges, license revocation, and orders to provide consumer restitution. The Attorney General works with other agencies to shut down fraudulent operations.

Should I also report to the Nevada State Contractors Board?

Yes. Report to both agencies. The Contractors Board handles licensing issues while the Attorney General focuses on consumer fraud. Multiple reports strengthen the case against fraudulent companies.

What about reporting to the Better Business Bureau?

Report to the BBB as well. They track complaint patterns and provide business ratings that help other consumers avoid scam companies.

Can I file complaints with multiple agencies for the same solar scam?

Yes. File with the Nevada Attorney General, State Contractors Board, Better Business Bureau, and Public Utilities Commission if appropriate. Different agencies have different enforcement powers.

Do I have rights if I signed a solar contract with a scam company?

Yes. Nevada law provides a three-day cancellation right for solar contracts. You may also void contracts that don't comply with state law or were obtained through fraud.

Can I cancel a solar contract after discovering it's a scam?

Contracts obtained through fraud may be voidable under Nevada law. Contact an attorney to review your specific situation and available options.

What if the solar company threatens legal action for canceling?

Document any threats and report them to the Attorney General. Legitimate companies don't threaten customers for exercising legal cancellation rights.

Where can I get legal help if I can't afford an attorney?

Contact Nevada Legal Aid for free legal services, the State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral Service at (702) 382-0504, or the Federal Bar Association Nevada Chapter at (702) 388-8600.

How can I verify if a solar company is legitimate?

Check contractor licenses at nscb.nv.gov, verify business registration with the Nevada Secretary of State, research complaint history with the Better Business Bureau, and request references from recent customers.

What down payment amount is legal for solar contracts in Nevada?

Nevada law limits down payments to 10% of the total contract amount or $1,000, whichever is less. Any company demanding more violates state law.

Are door-to-door solar sales always scams?

Not always, but be cautious. Legitimate companies use door-to-door sales, but they should provide proper identification, respect your time to review contracts, and follow all Nevada consumer protection laws.

What questions should I ask solar sales representatives?

Ask for their license number, company registration information, written estimates, customer references, and detailed explanations of all contract terms. Legitimate companies provide this information willingly.

Will solar panels eliminate my electricity bill completely?

No. While solar can reduce energy costs significantly, homeowners typically still receive utility bills and solar company bills. Claims about eliminating bills entirely are misleading.

Are government agencies selling solar in Nevada?

No. No Nevada government agency sells solar systems door-to-door or promotes specific solar companies. Any representative claiming government affiliation is likely running a scam.

Do I need to decide immediately when offered a solar deal?

No. Never feel pressured to sign contracts the same day. Legitimate companies respect your need to review terms and make informed decisions.

Can I trust solar companies that use official-sounding names?

Be cautious. Scammers often use names like "Nevada Department of Clean Energy" or reference county governments to appear legitimate. Verify all government claims before signing anything.

Who can I talk to if I'm confused about solar contracts?

Contact the Nevada Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at (702) 486-3132, Nevada Consumer Affairs at (844) 594-7275, or consult with a private attorney before signing any solar agreement.

What if I already signed a bad solar contract?

Contact the Attorney General immediately to report the scam and explore your cancellation options. Nevada law provides specific protections for solar customers that may help void fraudulent contracts.

Are there resources to help me understand solar energy in Nevada?

Yes. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada provides consumer education about solar energy, net metering, and your rights as a solar customer. Visit their website for detailed information.

Can I warn other homeowners about solar scams I've encountered?

Yes. Share your experience with neighbors, post reviews on legitimate business rating sites, and encourage others to research companies thoroughly before signing contracts. Your warnings help protect the community.

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