CONSUMER TIPS

To help consumers make intelligent purchasing decisions on solar heating systems, and other home improvement equipment, here are some homeowner guidelines from the Contractors State License Board, the California Solar Energy Industries Assn. and Public Interest Inc., a consumer help group:

Ask to see the salesperson’s state-issued home improvement salesman registration license, which will identify the salesperson, his or her sales registration number and the licensed contractor with whom the salesperson works. If the salesperson does not have one, it is a misdemeanor.

Any energy saving claims should be put in writing.

Shop around; get at least three bids.

Get references from at least three homeowners who have had work done by the solar company.

Never sign a blank contract.

Remember that federal solar tax credits were phased out at the end of 1985. California’s solar credit could end this year.

Do not be rushed into signing a contract. If you are nervous or unsure, make the salesperson leave the contract overnight so you can study it and/or show it to an attorney, particularly if the sale is linked to second trust deed financing. Under federal and state law, consumers have 72 hours in which to change their minds.

Make certain that the solar contractor is paying subcontractors for any work; otherwise, the subcontractors could place a lien on your house.

Make certain that financing costs and any rebates are fully disclosed in the contract.

Be certain that all local government permits have been obtained.

Beware of a big balloon payment at the end of the contract’s installment payments.

Find out how your current heating bill is broken down. That way, for example, if a salesperson says that you will save a bundle on hot water costs, you can say that you were not using much hot water in the first place.

Check out offers of “free” vacations, autos and prizes to make sure that you are not stuck with the tab after the fine print is sorted out.

A final rule of thumb: If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Consumer information/help numbers:

Contractors State License Board--Sacramento headquarters, (916) 366-5153. Southern California offices--Rosemead, (818) 575-6603; Santa Ana, (714) 558-4261; San Diego, (619) 455-0237; San Bernardino, (714) 383-4265, and Rancho Mirage (Riverside County), (714) 346-5643.

California Solar Energy Industries Assn., a Sacramento-based private industry group, (toll free) 1-800-225-7799.

Public Interest Inc., Whittier, (213) 945-2977.