Mar. 16--One year ago, Cynthia and Ron Pederson of Mound City, Mo., were embarking on a new adventure as solar pioneers. They invested more than $30,000 from loans and savings to switch to solar power for their home.

The house would collect enough energy to be independent, they say they were told by the installer.

But their dreams of being energy-independent were short lived. Instead, the couple has gone through months of turmoil after discovering their solar panels were not installed properly or with the approval of their electric company, the Atchison-Holt Co-op. The Pedersons had to hire another company, the Energy Savings Store in Kansas City, to fix the system. And then they learned that even with the panels correctly installed, they would never "zero out" their electric bill, as they say they were promised. At best, they have had a 48 percent reduction of their electricity during the summer, 24 percent in the winter and must still use propane for heat.

They filed complaints with the Missouri Attorney General's office and the Better Business Bureau, but to date, there has been no retribution. Their only recourse now, Mrs. Pederson says, is to consult an attorney, as has a Kansas City couple who had similar problems with the company and are currently in ligation.

"Unfortunately, it's very common for unscrupulous businesses to make all kinds of outlandish claims based on what's popular at the time," says Travis Ford, spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster. "Companies that perform that service should do what they say they are going to do, but people need to take precautions."

Ms. Pederson says she wishes they had taken more. Here are some things to do before giving away your green to go green:

GET A HOME AUDIT

Before considering solar or wind energy solutions, you should get an independent energy audit of your home, says Bob Solger, owner of The Energy Savings Store. An energy auditor will tell you what you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Check with your electric company for recommended companies. Mr. Solger says this company should be your advocate -- not the same company that would sell you the products.

CHECK OUT THE COMPANY

"If you deal with a company that's not licensed, you do it at your own risk," says Kim Moore, the director of arbitration for the Greater Kansas City Business Bureau.

All businesses in Missouri are required to be registered with the secretary of state. And they should have a business license that can be verified at City Hall, Ms. Moore says.