The sun might be shining on solar energy, but buyers beware – costly solar panel scams could leave you in the dark with massive loans and higher bills. Here’s what you need to know to stay in the light against this scam.

The sales pitch often starts with a solar salesperson knocking on the front door, calling on the phone, or connecting on social media, offering promises of lower energy bills, reduced emissions, and increased resale value. They’ll likely push a special deal – but only if you sign right away.

Be suspicious and don’t share sensitive personal information with anyone who calls, emails, or visits you out of the blue promoting a solar panel deal, and always read the fine print before signing any document. Know that the government does not have any program that installs solar panels on the houses of Americans for free. If you are interested in solar, research providers, get multiple estimates, and check for complaints and issues with installation companies by visiting the Better Business Bureau national business directory at bbb.org/search.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork