Marana, Arizona-based Trico Electric Cooperative Inc. recently reminded homeowners that state Senate Bill 1465 went into effect on Jan. 1 mandating full disclosure for solar purchases and leases.

Trico said all consumers considering investing in solar energy should approach contracts with a mixture of caution and curiosity. As in any business arrangement, all conditions should be clearly documented. Responses to questions should be recorded in writing and kept handy in case of any future discrepancies or complications in service or agreement terms.

Priorities for prospective solar customers include over half a dozen main areas, according to the cooperative. Homeowners ought to ensure that they fully understand financial terms - not just the base price of the setup, but also lifetime costs including interest or fees as well as specific payment conditions.

Responsibility for taxes, property value increases and rebates should be clear. Warranties, system maintenance and prediction of future electric prices should all figure in as well as keeping an eye on the general net savings over time. If the customer should sell his or her property, terms about conveyance of equipment should be easily identifiable.

Trico encourages consumers to review the new law before having solar equipment installed in their homes. All Arizona applications for solar interconnections received after Jan. 1 are subject to the new law.