Ask Sam: Can I really get free solar panels for my house? – Winston-Salem Journal

Answer: People who are interested in putting solar panels on their house should carefully research not only the pros and cons of the panels but also any companies they may use to install them.

“Aside from installation, solar panels typically require little to no maintenance, and are an ideal clean energy alternative. With practically no recurring costs, solar panels can help reduce the cost of monthly electricity bills and even generate a surplus that can be sold back to Duke Energy,” according to Duke Energy’s website.

While there may be free solar panel offers, be very careful. Remember, the Better Business Bureau warning, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

The U.S. Department of Energy said it knows about claims of free solar panel offers but does not have any programs for free panel installation.

Of course, scammers are now trying to cash in on people wanting to install solar panels. They may contact you in any number of ways, such as email, text, phone, or they even show up at your house, said the BBB in a press release.

The ways they will try to scam you are many and varied.

They may offer “special pricing,” or even free panel installation. But they may put pressure on you to sign up today, because the special is for a limited time.

Some of the scammers may be trying to get personal information.

“They ask you to fill out forms with your banking details ‘to see if you qualify,’” the BBB said.

They may tell you that you need to pay costs in advance of the installation, but the costs will be refunded by a governmental program that doesn’t exist.

After the contract is signed, they may begin installing the panels, but stop and not show up again. They also stop answering their phones.

They may finish the job, but do such a bad job installing the panels, they don’t work and again, they ghost the customer.

To have a good experience getting solar panels installed, the BBB has some recommendations.

“Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area.”

Ask the company for references and check with people who have had solar panels installed.

“If someone uses aggressive sales tactics on you, especially if the offer was initially unsolicited, it’s best to cut off communication immediately,” the BBB said.

Contact other companies to get bids on the project. Get all the details of the contract in writing.

Most of all, ask questions. Make sure you understand everything about your solar panel project. If you don’t understand the answers they give you, keep asking until you understand.

“If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag,” BBB said.

North Carolina has guide for people who want to go solar that includes lots of information about prices and rebates. To read it, go to www.ncsolarconsumerguide.com.

Forsyth radio club to hold drill

The Forsyth Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual “Field Day” from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday at Hobby Park, 2301 W. Clemmonsville Road, Winston-Salem. The event is free.

Club members will be operating radios on various frequencies and will answer questions about amateur or “ham” radio. Visitors will be able to use the radios under the supervision of a club member.

For more information, go to www.w4nc.com.