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Important information

• Advertising Review:

  BBB promotes truth in advertising by contacting advertisers whose claims conflict with the BBB Code of Advertising. These claims come to our attention from our internal review of advertising, consumer complaints, and competitor challenges. BBB asks advertisers to prove their claims, change ads to make offers clearer to consumers, and remove misleading or deceptive statements. 

  On October 25, 2024, BBB contacted Patmo Solar regarding advertised claims on their website https://www.patmosolar.com/ and their Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-PJBGN8Xt/?hl=en. 

  Advertised claims:

  Patmo Solar's Instagram page states, "Eliminate your electric bill when you go solar!"  BBB Code of Advertising states advertisements should be truthful, sincere offers to sell. Advertisers have a responsibility to have substantiation for all claims made and should be able to provide that substantiation upon request.  All advertising that may mislead or deceive consumers should be avoided.
  According to energy websites including https://palmetto.com/solar/will-i-have-an-electric-bill-with-solar-panels
  And Energysage https://www.energysage.com/solar/electric-bill-after-solar-panels/, consumers will always receive a bill but could be no cost or negative depending on net metering with the specific energy company.
  BBB requested Patmo Solar to modify the advertisement in regards to consumers bill or discontinue the claim in its entirety to address BBB’s concern. 

  Patmo Solar's website states, "We have the best prices no matter your location." BBB Code of Advertising states despite an advertiser’s best efforts to ascertain competitive prices, the rapidity with which prices fluctuate and the difficulty of determining prices of all sellers at all times preclude an absolute knowledge of the truth of unqualified underselling/lowest price claims. Advertisers must have proper substantiation for all claims prior to dissemination. Unqualified underselling terms must be avoided. 

  Patmo Solar's Instagram page states, "Get started for as little as $0 down" and "Go solar for $0 down." Offering credit to consumers comes with numerous requirements which must be met. In addition, if promising “easy credit,” or “guaranteed financing” or like terms, the consumer should receive what is promised. Whenever a specific credit term is advertised, it must actually be available to all consumers. The federal Truth in Lending Act, as well as applicable state and provincial laws set requirements for clearly and conspicuously disclosing credit terms in the advertisement. Click here for specifics.  

  Patmo Solar's website states, "Patmo Solar is the leading provider of solar panels cleaning services in the Laredo, Texas." BBB Code of Advertising states superlative statements in advertisements about the tangible qualities and performance values of a product or service are objective claims for which the advertiser must possess substantiation as they can be based upon accepted standards or tests. As statements of fact, such claims, like “#1 in new car sales in the city,” can be proved or disproved.

  Patmo Solar's website states "All solar panels come with a 25 year warranty." BBB Code of Advertising states, when using the term “warranty” or “guarantee” in product advertising, the advertiser must clearly and conspicuously include a statement that the complete details of the warranty can be seen prior to sale at the advertiser's location, viewed on the advertiser’s website or, in the case of mail or telephone order sales, made available free on written request. 

  Patmo Solar's website states, "Up to 60% Tax Solar Rebate.  Businesses can take advantage of up to 60% tax rebate, when they invest in solar energy." Rebates are payments of money after the sale. Advertisers should clearly and conspicuously state the before-rebate cost as well as the amount of the rebate and include key terms that consumers need to know. Click here for specifics. 

  Patmo Solar's Instagram page states, "Eco-friendly energy" and "Go Green Go Solar". BBB Code of Advertising states advertisers should avoid broad, unqualified environmental claims such as “green,” or “eco-friendly.”  Click here for specifics.

  BBB requested Patmo Solar to provide substantiation for their advertised claims. As of December 4, 2024, Patmo Solar failed to respond to BBB's request to substantiate or discontinue the advertised claims.
  

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