Solar Complaint Watchdog — California
Solar Complaints in California
Know Your CA Rights
The California AG has been among the most active in solar enforcement, investigating deceptive sales practices and installation quality issues. The CPUC and CSLB also actively regulate solar contractors.
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Solar Market Rank (US)
15+
Cities Monitored
8+
Companies Tracked
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Contract Review
Top Solar Complaints in California
- !Monthly payment higher than pre-solar electric bill
- !Salesperson promised savings that never materialized
- !Federal tax credit not applied — loan balance increased
- !System producing 20–40% less than projected
- !California solar company unreachable after installation
- !Escalator clauses never disclosed at signing
- !Roof damage or liens discovered during home sale
CA State Law Is On Your Side
California homeowners have real legal options. Here are the key statutes that apply to solar contract disputes:
- California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA)
- California Unfair Competition Law (UCL) - Bus. & Prof. Code 17200
- California Solar Rights Act
- CSLB Contractor Licensing Law
File with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for installation issues, the CPUC for utility-related disputes, or the AG Consumer Protection Division for fraud.
Solar Companies Active in California
Click any company to see full complaint history, AG actions, and your options.
Sunrun
BBB: B
2,847
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- System underperformance compared to sales projections
- Lease escalator clauses not clearly disclosed at signing
Vivint Solar / NRG Energy
BBB: B+ACQUIRED
1,923
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- Service quality decline after Sunrun acquisition
- Warranty claims unresolved for months after company transition
Freedom Forever
BBB: B
1,534
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- 25-year production guarantee disputes over measurement methodology
- Subcontractor quality issues with installation workmanship
SunPower
BBB: A+BANKRUPT
1,876
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- Warranty claims in limbo following Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing
- Premium pricing not reflected in system performance or service quality
ADT Solar
BBB: B
1,245
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- Aggressive door-to-door sales tactics using ADT brand trust
- Sales reps implying solar is part of existing ADT security package
Momentum Solar
BBB: C
1,678
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- High-pressure sales tactics with artificial urgency and expiring deals
- Significant energy production shortfalls versus written estimates
Sunnova Energy
BBB: B
1,345
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- Dealer-installed systems with no direct Sunnova quality oversight
- Lease buyout amounts significantly exceeding fair market value
Lumio
BBB: C
987
BBB complaints
Top Complaints
- Extremely aggressive door-to-door sales targeting elderly homeowners
- Sales representatives refusing to leave property when asked
Grounds to Cancel Your California Solar Contract
- FTC 3-day right of rescission not honored at signing
- Misrepresentation of projected energy savings
- Undisclosed escalator clauses in your contract
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA) violations in financing documents
- System performance below contractual guarantees
- Solar company bankruptcy or change of ownership
- Deceptive sales practices under state consumer protection law
Key Regulatory Agencies in California
CPUCCalifornia AG OfficeCSLBCalifornia Department of Consumer Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions — California
Related Articles for California Homeowners
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