NCSEA’s Solar Business Code of Conduct
Diving into the specifics of NCSEA’s Solar Business Code of Conduct and the first aspect of fundamental professional behavior, the Code of Conduct stipulates that businesses must be honest in their advertising about the benefits of solar. This is particularly important to uphold the reputation of the clean energy industry while also ensuring that consumers are fully aware of the value proposition of installing solar on their homes. In this same vein, the Code of Conduct prohibits members from engaging in deceptive business practices and requires them to stay in compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding advertising, consumer protection, and contract law. Further, solar installers must communicate openly and sincerely about professional qualifications and licensing and maintain high standards for employee safety and working conditions. In terms of interactions between companies, NCSEA requires that solar installers do not damage the reputations of other members to promote collective success throughout the clean energy industry. Similarly, the Code of Conduct encourages solar members to educate the public about the benefits of clean energy and protect the industry from misrepresentation.
When it comes to advertising, there are many ways that consumers may encounter misleading messaging and end up making an investment they regret. To avoid this, NCSEA’s Code of Conduct includes language that mandates aboveboard advertising about products and services, including accurate usage of the term “free” when referring to renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services. Any quoted price estimates must also be complete, reflect fair market pricing, and be clearly communicated with the customer. Continuing with the theme of consumer education, the solar installation company should provide accurate guidance on renewable energy incentives and eligibility requirements. Given the significant federal funding dedicated to the expansion of the residential solar market, solar companies are a crucial part of spreading the word about this available financial support. On this note, solar installers must provide utility electricity price projects that are based on reliable, qualified data sources. Some examples include the Energy Information Administration, state public utility commissions or public service commissions, and other industry experts.
On a related note, sales and marketing practices of solar installers have to respect consumer privacy above all else. In practice, this includes truthful representation of the installation company to the consumer, no high-pressure sales tactics, and no taking advantage of a lack of consumer knowledge. For example, if the product or system does not work as it was intended to be used by the consumer, then the installer needs to clear up any misunderstandings. The Code of Conduct further calls for signatories to be upfront with their marketing and to answer customer questions with honest, fact-based responses.
In the last section of the Code, NCSEA emphasizes the importance of utilizing widely understandable language to articulate the contractual obligations and stipulations related to the system installation process. It is imperative that solar installers provide accurate service and product performance guarantees, discernible material terms, and applicable costs. Examples of material terms include cost, ownership terms, financing terms, warranties, termination and system removal options and cost, options in the event of a home or property sale, and consumer rights regarding damage to property from installation. Last but not least, customers must have the ability to rescind their contract within at least three business days of the final contract execution. Since it can take time to consider the complicated aspects involved with purchasing a solar system, this cancellation period empowers consumers to feel confident in their final decision.
