Watch Out: These Door-to-Door Solar Sales Are Illegal in Minnesota

If someone knocks on your door trying to sell you solar panels, before you sign anything, you'll want to proceed with caution; the deals being offered may not even be legal in Minnesota.

READ MORE: Minnesota Residents Could Be Sitting On a $1,000+ Refund Right Now and Not Know It

Third-Party Solar Ownership Is Not Legal in Minnesota

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) says several customers have recently reported door-to-door and phone sales representatives promoting third-party solar ownership arrangements. These contracts involve a company owning and operating your solar system, then selling you the power it generates.

While this may sound like a convenient way to go solar, these types of arrangements are not allowed under Minnesota law. According to the Minnesota Public Utilities Act, only your local utilities, like RPU, are allowed to provide retail electric service within their assigned areas. That means companies trying to sell electricity directly to RPU customers are breaking the law, even if their offer seems legitimate.

High-Pressure Solar Sales Tactics May Be Misleading

RPU says these sales tactics often include promises of “zero-money-down solar,” limited-time incentives, and urgent offers designed to make you act fast. But rushing into one of these agreements could leave you locked into a contract that violates state law or utility rules.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

RPU wants to be clear, they’re not against solar. In fact, more than 700 RPU customers currently own solar systems and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. What RPU is against are misleading offers that put customers at legal or financial risk. That’s why they provide trusted resources and personalized guidance to help residents and business owners install solar systems that comply with Minnesota law and RPU guidelines.

How Rochester Residents Can Stay Protected from Solar Scams

If someone approaches you at your door with a solar offer, it’s important to ask questions and do your homework. Rochester City Ordinance requires door-to-door salespeople to carry a valid peddler’s license, so don’t hesitate to ask to see it.

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If anything about the offer sounds questionable, RPU recommends contacting their Customer Care team to verify the information. If you believe you’ve encountered a sca or suspicious activity, reporting it to local authorities helps protect the community.

If you are thinking about going solar, RPU’s residential and commercial energy advisors are ready to help you understand your options. They’ll walk you through how solar works in Rochester, what incentives might be available, and how to choose an installer that plays by the rules.