Planet Money
Rooftop solar's dark side
Jul 12, 2024
Guest Alana Samuels, a senior economics correspondent for Time Magazine, examines the complexities of the residential solar industry. She reveals that while many homeowners enjoy lower electricity bills, numerous others feel misled by the high costs and poor customer service. The discussion highlights the aggressive sales tactics employed by solar companies and the financial models that prioritize rapid growth over consumer satisfaction. Samuels also explores how outdated technologies contribute to frustrations, calling for reform in the industry.
27:22
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Quick takeaways
- Residential solar companies prioritize rapid expansion over customer satisfaction, leading to inflated prices and disappointing experiences for some consumers.
- Big national solar companies focused on growth strategies like tax credits and asset-backed securities, neglecting customer service and panel performance.
Deep dives
The Promise of Solar Panels and the Reality of High Electricity Bills
Christine and John were sold on the idea of solar panels reducing their energy costs significantly. However, after investing in solar panels, their electricity bills did not decrease as expected. The panels ended up not generating the promised amount of energy, leading to disappointment and financial strain for the couple. Problems with customer service and unmet expectations highlighted the darker side of residential solar panel installations.
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