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Important information

• Advertising Review:

  On May 23, 2022, BBB contacted The Smart Builders Group, LLC regarding advertised claims on their website https://www.thesmartbg.com.

  The Smart Builders Group, LLC advertises "Don't just go off-grid, BE THE GRID!"

  According to The U.S. Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/grid-connected-renewable-energy-systems) if a consumer is connecting their small renewable energy system to the grid they will need to sign an interconnection agreement with their power provider. Additionally, the power provider may require the consumer to:

  • Carry liability insurance -- Liability insurance protects the power provider in the event of accidents resulting from the operation of the system. Most homeowners carry at least $100,000 of liability through their homeowner insurance policies  which are often sufficient

  Additionally, according to Energysage.com “simply installing solar panels on your roof does not mean that you’ve gone off the grid. Most solar energy systems are not designed to consistently generate enough electricity to be a home’s only power source, which is why the vast majority of solar homeowners maintain a connection with their utility company.”

  Furthermore, The Smart Builders Group, LLC's website advertises in the FAQ section (https://thesmartbg.com/faq): “Installing solar panels on your roof does not mean that you’ve gone off the grid. Most solar energy systems are not designed to consistently generate enough electricity to be a home’s only power source, which is why the vast majority of solar homeowners maintain a connection with their utility company.”

  BBB found this advertisement contradicts the previous statement that consumers can go “off-grid” and “be the grid.”

  BBB Code of Advertising states the primary responsibility for truthful and non-deceptive advertising rests with the advertiser. Advertisers should be prepared to substantiate any objective claims or offers made before publication or broadcast. Upon request, they should present such substantiation promptly to the advertising medium or BBB. BBB Code of Advertising also states misrepresentation may result not only from direct statements but by omitting or obscuring a material fact. BBB requests you to amend your website to include the requirements clearly and conspicuously for a consumer to “be the grid” or discontinue the advertisement to address BBB’s concern.

  The Smart Builders Group, LLC also advertises environmental benefit claims by using the terms "green" and "eco-friendly."

  BBB Code of Advertising states advertisers should not make broad, unqualified general environmental benefit claims like “green” or “eco-friendly.” Advertisers must qualify general claims with specific environmental benefits. Qualifications for any claim should be clear, prominent, and specific. BBB requested The Smart Builders Group, LLC to discontinue the use of the term “green” in their advertising.

  Lastly, The Smart Builders Group, LLC advertises on https://thesmartbg.com/battery-bank-installation/ they offer manufacturer warranties that may come with the batteries.  

  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 or guarantee 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.

  The Code also states sellers or manufacturers should advertise that a product or service is warranted or guaranteed only if the seller or manufacturer promptly and fully performs its obligations under the warranty or guarantee.

  BBB requested a copy of The Smart Builders Group, LLC's  warranty, and guarantee. Additionally, BBB requested they include a statement on their website near the warranty and guarantee advertisement explaining how consumers can view the full warranty details or add the full warranty details to their website.

  As of June 28, 2022, The Smart Builders Group failed to respond to BBB's requests.