Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Matters:
At SolarPowerGenius, we are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. This policy explains our data practices in plain language.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
We collect information when you voluntarily provide it to us, including:
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address, first name (optional), and preferences
- Solar Guide Downloads: Email address, location (state/region), and home details
- Contact Forms: Name, email address, and message content
- Quote Requests: Contact details, location, and energy needs (processed by our partners)
Information We Collect Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information through cookies and similar technologies:
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked, and navigation patterns
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and device type
- Location Data: General geographic location (country/region level) for content localisation
- Performance Data: Page load times and technical performance metrics
- Affiliate Interactions: Clicks on product links and installer referrals
How We Use Your Information
Primary Uses
- Content Delivery: Provide personalised solar information based on your location
- Newsletter Service: Send requested solar guides, tips, and industry updates
- Website Improvement: Analyse usage patterns to improve content and user experience
- Partner Referrals: Connect you with vetted solar installers and equipment suppliers
- Customer Support: Respond to inquiries and provide assistance
Analytics and Performance
We use privacy-focused analytics to understand how our content helps visitors:
- DataFast Analytics: Privacy-friendly analytics without personal identification
- Core Web Vitals: Monitor page speed and user experience metrics
- Goal Tracking: Measure engagement with guides, calculators, and affiliate links
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Third-Party Partners
We share information with trusted partners only in these specific circumstances:
- Solar Installers: When you request quotes, we share your contact details and project requirements with vetted installation companies (SunPower, EnergySage, Modernize)
- Email Service Provider: Newsletter subscriptions are managed through our email service provider with strict data protection agreements
- Analytics Providers: DataFast receives anonymised usage data to help us improve the website
- Payment Processors: If you make purchases through affiliate links, transaction data is processed by the merchant's payment system
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly:
- Region Selection: Remember your preferred location (US/UK) for appropriate content
- Form Data: Temporarily store form information to prevent loss during submission
- Security: Protect against spam and abuse
Analytics Cookies
We use cookies to understand how visitors use our site:
- DataFast: Privacy-focused analytics that doesn't track personal information
- Performance Monitoring: Track page load times and technical issues
Affiliate Tracking
When you click affiliate links, our partners may set cookies to track referrals:
- EcoFlow: 30-day cookie for commission tracking
- Bluetti: 30-day cookie via Awin network
- Renogy: 45-day cookie for direct referrals
- Amazon: 24-hour cookie for Associates programme
- Installation Partners: Session cookies for quote attribution
Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality and our ability to provide personalised content.
Your Privacy Rights
Privacy Rights (US)
Under various US state privacy laws, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
- Restriction: Limit how we process your information in certain circumstances
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us with your request. We will respond within 30 days and may ask for identification to verify your identity.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: All data transmitted to our website is encrypted using SSL/TLS
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Partner Vetting: All third-party partners undergo security and privacy assessments
- Regular Reviews: Periodic security audits and privacy impact assessments
- Data Minimisation: We collect only the information necessary for our stated purposes
International Data Transfers
Your information may be processed and stored in the United States where our servers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international transfers.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Contact Inquiries: Up to 2 years for customer service purposes
- Analytics Data: Anonymised data retained for up to 2 years
- Website Logs: Technical logs retained for up to 1 year
Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 16, please contact us immediately.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will:
- Post the updated policy on this page with a new "last updated" date
- Notify newsletter subscribers of significant changes
- Continue to honour the privacy choices you made under previous versions
Contact Information
If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: Use our contact form
- Subject Line: "Privacy Policy Inquiry"
- Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours
Regulatory Information
For US residents, this privacy policy complies with applicable state privacy laws including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA).
Privacy-First Solar Education
We believe you should have control over your personal information while still receiving the valuable solar guidance you need. Our privacy practices are designed to be transparent, fair, and focused on helping you make informed energy decisions.
Last updated: January 2025
Effective date: January 2025
Governing law: US privacy laws and regulations
Policy version: 2.0