(La Junta, CO) -- It sounds like a great idea to use all that sunshine to power your home, but beware the scammers are using this to their advantage.
You might have even received a visit or a call from a company promising that you will pay nothing for your panels. You also might have seen this, "NO more electric bills!"
I'm sure you've heard that if it sounds too good to be true it likely is.
Our electric cooperative family all around Colorado is warning about companies and scams involving solar panels.
According to housemethod.com, being in a state without a lot of sun, like Colorado or having a state energy office offering a lot of perks for going solar increases the likelihood you could fall victim to these scams.
Other deceptive tactics include the company telling home owners that they are working with co-ops such as Southeast Colorado Power Association. This is simply not true.
Do your homework.
Check out this link for more information on finding out what's really available and available now for you.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics
If you do decide that you want to install solar panels find out what they are selling for in the area by contacting multiple sources. Get multiple quotes too. Once you have an idea of what it costs you will be able to make a more informed decision. A good place to look for companies and check them out is to peruse on-line reviews through Yelp, the Better Business Bureau and Google My Business.
Finally, if you do decide to purchase and install solar panels after the careful research there's one last thing to know. If you want to interconnect with Southeast Colorado Power's system, you'll be required to do a few things to protect our workers, the equipment and the general public. Find the information, here.