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City warns against alleged representatives – Citizen Solar Advisors offer independent help
In Riedstadt, individuals are currently going door-to-door claiming to be selling solar panels on behalf . A woman called the city's urban renewal manager, Christoph Krick , to report that a man had rung her doorbell and claimed to be acting on behalf of the city. "That's not true," Krick clarified. "The city of Riedstadt does not, under any circumstances, commission the sale of solar panels."
Independent advice instead of door-to-door sales
Photovoltaic systems with energy storage have long been considered a worthwhile investment – but not all providers operate ethically. To support citizens in their decision-making, the Riedstadt Citizen Solar Advisors launched. These volunteer solar advisors provide independent, free advice in the spirit of neighborly assistance.
“Our goal is to provide neutral information and protect people from making wrong decisions,” explains Krick. The citizen solar advisors have now been active in approximately 70 cases and have developed a good overview of the market.
How to recognize reputable providers
“We have had predominantly positive experiences with regional companies,” emphasizes Michael Klosterhalfen , spokesperson for BürgerSolarBerater (Citizen Solar Consultants). An important warning sign is unusual payment terms:
“You should avoid providers who demand the full amount or large advance payments upon signing the contract. A reputable arrangement is, for example, 50 percent upon delivery and 50 percent after acceptance – never the entire sum upfront.”
For guidance, Klosterhalfen mentions rough cost estimates for photovoltaic systems:
- Basic costs: approximately 7,000 euros (regardless of the system size)
- An additional approximately 800 euros per kWp
- For a battery storage system: approximately €500 basic costs plus €300 per kWh.
Contact and further information
The Ried Citizen Solar Advisors can be reached by email at
📧 bsb-ried@t-online.de or via the city's website:
🌐 www.klimafreundliches-riedstadt.de/angebote/burger-solar-berater-ried
(Riedstadt - Red/PSR)
Featured image: Photovoltaic systems are generally economical these days. Unfortunately, there are opportunists who exploit the boom. Photo: LEA-Hessen / Markus Feger
