What are the most common solar panel complaints?

The most common solar complaints include misleading savings estimates, high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics, hidden fees and escalation clauses in contracts, solar panels not producing as promised, roof damage during installation, companies going bankrupt and leaving homeowners stranded, and difficulty canceling contracts or leases.

How do I file a complaint against a solar company?

You can file a solar complaint through multiple channels: your state attorney general consumer protection division, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for loan-related issues, and your state public utilities commission. Document everything including contracts, communications, and photos.

Which solar companies have the most complaints?

Solar companies with historically high complaint volumes include Sunrun, Vivint Solar (now part of Sunrun), Freedom Forever, SunPower, ADT Solar, Momentum Solar, Pink Energy (formerly Power Home Solar, now bankrupt), and Sunnova. Complaint volumes vary by state and region.

Can I get out of a solar contract?

In many cases, yes. Solar contracts may be cancellable if the company violated the FTC cooling-off rule (3 business days for door-to-door sales), made misrepresentations about savings or system performance, violated state consumer protection laws, or failed to deliver what was promised. Consult with a consumer protection attorney to review your specific contract.

Are solar panel door-to-door sales legal?

Door-to-door solar sales are legal but heavily regulated. The FTC requires a 3-business-day cooling-off period for contracts signed at home. Many states have additional requirements. If a solar salesperson misrepresented the product or pressured you into signing, you may have legal grounds for cancellation.

What should I do if my solar panels are not saving me money?

Document the discrepancy between projected and actual savings, request a system performance review from your installer, check if your system is producing the kilowatt-hours specified in your contract, file a complaint with your state consumer protection agency, and consult with an attorney if the company made specific savings guarantees in writing.

What happens if my solar company goes out of business?

If your solar company goes bankrupt, your warranty and maintenance obligations may be transferred to another company, your loan or lease payments typically continue because the financing company is separate from the installer, you should file a claim with the bankruptcy court if you are owed money or services, and your panels will continue to work but you may need a new maintenance provider.

Solar energy itself is not a scam — it is proven technology that can reduce electricity costs. However, some solar companies use deceptive sales practices, misleading financial projections, and predatory contract terms. Research companies thoroughly, read contracts carefully, and never sign under pressure.

What are the most common Vivint Solar complaints?

Aggressive door-to-door sales, promises not in the contract, billing errors, and difficulty canceling or modifying contracts are the most reported Vivint Solar issues.

Is Vivint Solar still in business?

Vivint Solar was acquired and rebranded. If you have an existing Vivint Solar contract, it is now serviced under new ownership.

Can I cancel my Vivint Solar contract?

Contact us for a free contract review. Many Vivint Solar customers have successfully exited contracts based on misrepresentation claims.

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Vivint Solar Complaints: What Homeowners Report

Read real Vivint Solar complaints. BBB ratings, common problems with Vivint solar installations, and how to file a complaint.

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Common Vivint Solar Complaints

Vivint Solar (now part of SunPower following an acquisition) was one of the largest residential solar companies in the United States before SunPower's financial difficulties. Vivint Solar accumulated thousands of BBB complaints over its operating history, with the most common issues including: aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, misrepresentation of savings and contract terms, installation quality problems, and difficulty with customer service after installation.

Vivint Solar's door-to-door sales model was particularly controversial. Numerous complaints describe salespeople who misrepresented the nature of the agreement being signed, claimed the system was part of a 'government program,' or failed to disclose the long-term financial commitment involved. Some homeowners report signing what they thought was a free solar program only to discover they had entered a 20-year lease.

Post-acquisition by SunPower, many former Vivint Solar customers found themselves dealing with a company in financial distress, creating additional uncertainty about warranty coverage and ongoing service.

Vivint Solar and SunPower Bankruptcy: What It Means for Customers

SunPower's acquisition of Vivint Solar and subsequent financial difficulties have created significant uncertainty for customers of both companies. SunPower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2024, raising questions about the future of warranty coverage, monitoring services, and customer support for the hundreds of thousands of homeowners with Vivint Solar and SunPower systems.

In bankruptcy proceedings, customer warranty obligations are typically treated as unsecured claims, which means they may not be fully honored depending on how the bankruptcy is resolved. Homeowners with Vivint Solar systems should document their warranty terms carefully and monitor the bankruptcy proceedings for information about how customer obligations will be handled.

If you're experiencing problems with a Vivint Solar system and are having difficulty getting service, file complaints with the BBB and your state attorney general. These complaints create a record and may be relevant to any class action or regulatory action related to the bankruptcy.

How to Get Help with Vivint Solar Problems

If you're experiencing problems with a Vivint Solar system, start by documenting everything in writing. Contact Vivint Solar/SunPower customer service in writing (email) and keep copies of all correspondence. If you don't receive a satisfactory response within a reasonable timeframe, escalate to formal complaints.

File complaints with the BBB, your state attorney general's consumer protection division, and the FTC. If your complaint involves the solar loan or financing, file with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). If your system was installed with permits that were never closed or inspections that were never completed, contact your local building department.

Given SunPower's bankruptcy, it's worth consulting with a consumer protection attorney about your options. An attorney can advise you on how the bankruptcy may affect your rights and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations.

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Vivint Solar Complaints: What Homeowners Report

Common Vivint Solar Complaints

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How to Get Help with Vivint Solar Problems

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