A few hints: If you are considering having solar installed on your home or business...

1. NEVER give a deposit more than $1000. Contractors are prevented by law from requesting or collecting deposits more than 10% of the contract amount or $1,000, whichever is less. After your deposit is made it is customary to make partial payments as materials are procured and work is performed; these payment amounts should be specifically listed in the contract. Be sure that your contract has a provision for holding back a reasonable amount (5% or 10%) until you are satisfied with the work, but do not hold back that money unless you have good cause. If the contractor is carrying your rebate for you, then a hold-back may be unnecessary.

2. READ your contract carefully. The contractor wrote the contract, so you can expect it to contain provisions which protect the contractor's rights. However, a good contract will be fair and even in its provisions.
If you feel that the contract you are asked to sign is one-sided, ask the contractor to change the clauses that you object to. If the contractor refuses to negotiate, you may want to reconsider whether this is the company that you want to do business with.

3. NEVER pay the full amount of the contract before the work is performed.

4. ALWAYS look for the contractors' license number printed on the contract and the company business cards.

5. VERIFY the contractors' license number at www.cslb.ca.gov and make sure that the contractors' license number is in the same name as the company. This website also shows whether there are any disciplinary actions pending against the contractor and whether they have insurance that meets the state's requirements.

6. CONFIRM the sales representative is a registered Home Improvement Salesperson (they will have an identification card issued from the Contractors' State License Board).
It is always a good idea to get more than one estimate for the work.

You will find that most reputable solar companies are competitively priced. If the claims your salesperson makes sound too good to be true, they probably are. Don't sign the contract and don't give the salesperson any money if something doesn't feel right to you. And remember, you have 3 days to reconsider any contract you sign in your own home. Do your own independent research to verify that the benefits and costs are described correctly. Talk to your neighbors and people you know who have a solar system and learn from their experiences.

Where you can find more information:
www.calseia.org includes a list of solar companies that are members. Click on Find an Expert www.cslb.ca.gov is the State Contractors' License Board website where you can check a license or sales person registration