Shady contractors are going door-to-door pitching “free” solar energy systems that will eliminate costly electric bills. Most of these fraudsters do shoddy work; some take the money and run. By using high-pressure sales tactics, they get homeowners to sign high-interest contracts that leave them with massive debt.

In this episode: The tricks door-to-door con artists use to sell high-priced solar systems, the facts about solar incentives and tax credits, plus tips on how to find a good solar contractor.

Read Checkbook's full report on solar scams.

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

#1: How to Hire a Good Contractor

#8: Saving Energy at Home

#10: Here Comes the Sun? Now May Be the Best Time to Go Solar

More from Checkbook:

Thinking About Going Solar?

Small Steps, Big Impact: Save Energy by Making These Free or Inexpensive Changes

Worth the Money: Energy Saving Upgrades that Quickly Pay for Themselves

Resources, Rebates, and Tax Credits to Help You Go Green at Home

Additional Resources:

Center for Responsible Lending: The Shady Side of Solar Financing

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24 - Finding an Auto Body Shop That Will Do a Bang-Up Job