Beohana Solar: Beware of Solar Energy Scam

Earlier this week, some disturbing news for renewable energy proponents.  The owner of a San Jose solar company that advertised a “free solar program,” but is said to have delivered nothing to a number of homeowners, was arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud.

The CEO/owner of Beohana Solar is being held without bail in a Southern California jail.  I say that its a dark day for many of us that believe in solar energy as a viable, affordable alternative to traditional fuel-based electricity.

The solar energy scam has a number of victims.  The California Contractors License Board found around 30 people who were de-frauded $120,000-130,000 in deposits for residential solar systems.  Of the monies outlaid, many did not even see the systems installed.

As a particular big red flag, the suspect company claimed on the Internet that:

“You lease the solar system from us for 12 years at rates equal to or less than what you are paying your utility company now. At the end of the term, the solar system is yours to keep for FREE.”

However, Rosenblatt said, that after paying deposits to lease the systems, homeowners were given a written contract that stated that at the end of 12 years they had to pay the “fair market value” of the equipment.  That’s right… it was a big, fat SCAM!

While future potential victims should beware of a solar energy scam, those that believe they may currently be victims (within the state of California) should check the status of contractors’ licenses by calling an automated telephone number at 1-800-321-CSLB, or going to www.cslb.ca.gov. If you have information regarding Beohana Solar you should contact the District Attorney’s Office at 408-792-2572.