Hawaii's state energy office is warning homeowners that door-to-door salespeople are lying about free solar programs — bad news for anyone who signs before checking.

• Salespeople are telling residents the state hands out free solar panels and battery storage systems.
• That is false: the state does not give away solar or storage equipment.
• State employees never knock on doors to sell or sign up homeowners for energy systems.
• Anyone who agrees on the spot risks locking into a costly contract based on a lie.

Outlook: Expect more warnings as these pitches spread, and treat any unsolicited "free state solar" offer at your door as a scam.