[villagetinker]

Definitely check out the company with BBB and Seniors against crime, then ask for local references and talk to them. Make sure this company did not file a lien against the house. Also, be very careful of any firm that takes over payment of your electric bill in exchange of the installation of solar panels. As noted above, if you are serious about installing solar, find a well know reliable company, and have the panels etc., installed with you paying for the installation. From everything I have seen this is the lowest cost option. I have not priced anything recently, but I still think the break even is over a decade. When you do your calculations (or review theirs), be sure to consider lost opportunity costs (you took money out of your investments for this), removal and re-installation when your roof has to be replaced, maintenance costs, especially if you get battery backup, impact on house insurance, etc.
Hope this helps.