SolarTek Systems USA

First, non-specific observations: Nowhere on the invitation letter did it mention SolarTek (so one cannot check them out). The letter only mentioned "reduce your utility consumption" - a very broad statement. When we arrived I noted that all the attendees were over 50 (most over 60). When asked about it, the speaker claimed ignorance (now really!!). The speaker did not allow any questions. That is, he refused anyone to challenge his assertions. He refused to give any cost estimates, not average for house, nor cost of fixed items (like the voltage optimizer). One can only get those things by the visit. Finally, although he wasn't overtly high pressure, he said that they would only be in my MA town that next day. So he attempted to pressure us into signing up for the analysis available only 'tomorrow'.

Anyone who is interested should first check out what the better business bureau (bbb.org) said. They gave them an 'F'.

Now the specifics. They have this reflective aluminum flexible sheet which they claim will cut 25% of the heating bill. He demonstrated it with a heat lamp. It appeared to work. D'oh. A heat lamp gives off light. Light is reflected by aluminum. I agree. But my attic is dark, even on the hottest, brightest summer day. No light. No reflection. His demonstration used a 6" insulation but he did say that the probe was placed 'in the middle' of it. The insulation may work perfectly but if the probe is next to the heat lamp, then the insulation is only show. If a thin sheet of aluminum would save 25% of heat loss/gain wouldn't Dow-Corning sell it attached to their insulation?

He talked about something like a 'voltage optimizer'. He claimed by smoothing out the spikes and brown-outs we'd be able to get a 25% reduction in our electrical bill. Voltage regulators do not produce free electricity. Nor can they help brownouts, they only damp out the spikes. I'm not an electrical engineer but it sounded like magic to me. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If voltage regulators worked like that, wouldn't Home Depot sell them?

They sell a reduced flow shower head. As of 1992, all shower heads are reduced flow. He claimed regular shower heads used 6 to 8 gallons of water. As of 1992 all shower heads use less than 2.2 gallons of water. All.

He also talked about a water heater jacket. When my water heater was recently installed I asked about a jacket and the plumber said the heater already had a large amount of insulation. Feeling the outside of my working water heater, it is warm, but not hot. Again empty claims.

He talked about an attic fan. I actually have one and it works great. His used a solar grid (appx 18" square) to power it. Mine uses a 110 volt half-horse power motor. A small grid can only power a small motor. Therefore his fan is little more than an extra vent. Probably useful, major savings - I think not.

About 10 years ago, we bought a "Green Plug" which did what the optimizer is supposed to do. Our reps were very professional and even advised to go to a Big Box store and buy the silver water heater jacket, so no pressure there.

My attic is ***...literally. It has an 18 inch by 18 inch crawl hole to get into it. NOBODY, except a Reese monkey can get into my attic. Someone would die up there trying to install insulation.

So, as much as I enjoyed the dinner, no sale. Eventually I would love to get a small house or a trailer and do all the things these guys were talking about.

We've researched a lot of what they were saying and we found their information to be on the Up and Up. Research Self-Sufficiency for yourself.