By Margi A. Grein, Executive Officer, Nevada State Contractors Board
As our mission at Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) is to protect the public against unlicensed contractors, residents need to be warned about a recent surge in complaints related to solar installation scams. These complaints range from poor workmanship to companies operating beyond the bounds of their licenses. Reports also indicate misleading sales tactics, promising extravagant benefits such as rebates, government incentives, and the complete eradication of power bills.
Margi Grein
Seniors, residents in low-income neighborhoods, and those facing language barriers are particularly vulnerable because they can be manipulated to believe their costly power bills will be significantly reduced or completely eliminated. The victims of these deceptive practices often find themselves trapped in long-term loans, with many false promises that lead to the reality of paying for an expensive solar system and steep monthly electric utility bills.
Some extra steps that Nevadans can take to protect themselves from solar scams or unlicensed contractors are: verify contractor licenses; thoroughly review financial agreements; obtain multiple bids; and most importantly, don’t give in to high pressure sales tactics.
For homeowners who have had issues with licensed contractors, the Board does offer some financial assistance to them after an investigation takes place. The Nevada Legislature created the Residential Recovery Fund in 1999. Homeowners are eligible to submit a claim to the Fund if they own and occupy the single-family residence where work is performed and suffered a financial loss by the contractor within four years of the date of the contract or have obtained a judgement in civil court, which has not been paid by the contractor within two years of issuance.
The NSCB provides information through its website www.nscb.nv.gov, workshops, and direct contact. By staying vigilant, verifying credentials, and being informed about legislative changes, residents can safeguard themselves from falling victim to unlicensed contractors. The NSCB remains committed to its mission of protecting Nevada’s consumers and ensuring fair and ethical practices within the construction and solar industries.
About Nevada State Contractors Board:
The Nevada State Contractors Board is committed to protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare through licensing and regulation of the construction industry. Under Nevada Revised Statutes, a licensee is subject to disciplinary action by the Board for failure to comply with the requirements of the laws or regulations governing contractors. Violations may result in Board action against the contractor’s license. The State Contractors Board has the power to regulate contractors and discipline licensees who violate NRS 624. Disciplinary action may consist of a fine, order corrective action, suspension, revocation or other action.
The Nevada Contractors Board is committed to ensuring the integrity and professionalism of the construction industry in Nevada. The NSCB has the responsibility to promote quality construction by Nevada licensed contractors through a regulatory licensing system designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. For more information about the Nevada State Contractors Board, please visit www.nscb.nv.gov or give us a call at (702) 486-1100 or (775) 688-1141.
