How to handle aggressive door-to-door solar company salespeople

Posted: May 19, 2026 @ 11:47 am

I had an opportunity to talk with Shariff Shakir with AES Solar on today’s Kent in the Country Morning Show. At AES Solar, they do things a bit differently than the fly-by-night solar folks. They’ve been installing solar since 1999. One thing they don’t do… knowck on your front door claiming to be from the elecgtric company. Some of the tactics used by other companies don’t live up to those standards. What should you do if someone keeps knocking on your door, even though you have a sign that says “no soliciting?” Here’s a list of things to look for, and if they do these things, you can file a complaint HERE. Scroll down for the interview from this orning’s show for more information!

5 things a legitimate Illinois Shines solar sales rep is NOT allowed to do:

1. Claim to be from the utility, the government, or “Illinois Shines” itself. Reps must identify their own company and state they’re an independent seller — not employed by, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any utility, electric cooperative, governmental body, the Illinois Power Agency, or Illinois Shines. Source: Consumer Protection Handbook 2026-27, Section I.D.1 (pp. 14–15) and Section III.A (p. 21)

2. Promise to “eliminate your electric bill.” The IPA explicitly lists “Eliminate your electric bill,” “Fire your utility,” and “No more utility bills” as inaccurate and unacceptable claims. You will always remain a utility customer responsible for a utility bill. Source: Consumer Protection Handbook 2026-27, Section I.C.1 (p. 11)

3. Knock on your door without being registered with the Program. Every installer, marketing firm, lead generator, and sales organization must register with Illinois Shines before interacting with customers. You can look up any company at illinoisshines.com. Source: Illinois Shines 2026-27 Program Guidebook, Section 2.G “Designees and Designee Registration” (p. 42)

4. Use their own paperwork in place of the official Disclosure Form. The Disclosure Form must be generated through the Illinois Shines portal and cannot be edited or modified in any way. Reps are also barred from helping you create an email account to sign it. Source: Illinois Shines 2026-27 Program Guidebook (p. 85); Consumer Protection Handbook 2026-27, Section V.A.1 (pp. 26, 28)

5. Treat you unprofessionally. Rudeness, incivility, discrimination, harassment, or prejudice are explicitly prohibited and can result in suspension from the Program. Source: Consumer Protection Handbook 2026-27, Section I.A (p. 9); Illinois Shines 2026-27 Program Guidebook, Section 3 (p. 51)

See something wrong? File a complaint: (877) 708-3456 complaints@illinoisshines.com illinoisshines.com/consumer-complaint-center