Problematic Solar Contract? What Homeowners Should Know About Their Options

Understanding your contract, your situation, and the resources that may be available

Introduction

Solar can provide long-term energy benefits, but homeowners may have concerns after signing a solar agreement. Those concerns can involve the system, installation, financing, contract terms, performance expectations, or communications with a solar company.

If you are unhappy with your solar agreement, the right next step depends on the facts of your individual situation. There may be different ways to address a concern, but no single solution applies to every homeowner.

This guide is intended to help you understand what information to gather, what questions to ask, and how to explore available resources before making decisions about your solar agreement.

Start by Understanding Your Solar Agreement

Before taking action, review the documents connected to your solar project. Depending on how the project was structured, you may have a solar purchase agreement, lease, power purchase agreement, financing agreement, installation contract, warranty documents, or other paperwork.

Look for provisions concerning:

• The parties to the agreement
• Payment and financing terms
• Installation and system-performance obligations
• Equipment ownership
• Maintenance and warranties
• Transfer or property-sale requirements
• Dispute-resolution procedures
• Notices and deadlines
• Any provisions describing changes to the agreement

Keep copies of the documents and related communications in one place. A complete record can make it easier for a qualified professional to understand what happened and evaluate what options may be appropriate.

Why the Details of Your Situation Matter

Two homeowners can have very different rights and options even when their solar systems appear similar. Relevant facts may include when the agreement was signed, how it was presented, whether installation has occurred, what the contract says, what representations were made, whether financing is involved, and what problems have occurred.

For that reason, homeowners should be cautious about relying on a general online statement that promises a particular result. A possible resolution depends on the actual agreement and the circumstances surrounding it.

If you believe something went wrong during the sales, installation, financing, or service process, document the issue carefully. Save emails, text messages, invoices, photographs, inspection records, proposals, and other relevant communications.

Questions Homeowners May Want to Explore

Depending on the circumstances, homeowners may want to explore questions such as:

• Are the contract terms consistent with what I was told during the sales process?
• What obligations do I currently have under the agreement?
• Are there unresolved installation, equipment, service, or performance concerns?
• Does my agreement contain procedures for raising a dispute?
• Are there deadlines or notice requirements I should know about?
• What happens to the agreement if I sell or refinance my home?
• Are there provisions addressing changes, transfers, or other ways to resolve a contract concern?
• Does my situation warrant an individual legal review?

These are questions to investigate—not promises that a particular outcome is available.

Be Careful With Payment Decisions

A dispute with a solar company or concern about a contract does not automatically change your payment obligations. Homeowners should not assume that they can suspend, reduce, or stop contractual payments based solely on general information from a website.

Before changing payment arrangements, review the applicable agreement and obtain advice from qualified legal counsel regarding your individual circumstances. If a separate lender or financing company is involved, homeowners may also need to communicate with that provider about account-specific questions.

What a Contract Review Can Help Clarify

An individual review can help identify the terms that are relevant to your concerns and the facts that may need additional investigation. A qualified attorney can evaluate the agreement and circumstances and explain whether any legal options may be available.

The appropriate next step could vary significantly from one situation to another. Depending on the facts, a professional may discuss questions involving contract terms, communications, performance concerns, financing, dispute procedures, or other issues.

The purpose of a review is to understand the situation and potential paths forward—not to promise a particular result.

How to Prepare for an Intake or Review

Before contacting a resource or attorney, consider preparing:

• A copy of your solar agreement and related financing documents
• The sales proposal or presentation, if available
• Installation and inspection records
• Recent bills or account statements
• Emails, texts, and other communications
• Photographs or records of system-related problems
• A simple timeline of important events
• A short description of what you are concerned about and what you would like to understand

Organizing this information can make an initial conversation more productive and help identify which documents may require closer review.

Explore Your Options Based on Your Individual Circumstances

If you have concerns about a solar contract, you do not have to guess what your next step should be. Start by gathering your documents, understanding the terms that affect your situation, and identifying the questions you need answered.

The Solar Cancellation Resource Center (SCRC) provides information and intake resources for homeowners with solar contract concerns. SCRC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. When appropriate, homeowners may be connected with qualified legal professionals for an individual evaluation.

Any legal option, remedy, or potential resolution depends on the facts and applicable law. No particular outcome is guaranteed.

Important Notice

This article provides general informational content only and is not legal advice. Your rights, obligations, and potential options depend on your individual circumstances, the applicable agreements, and the law that applies to your situation. Do not make changes to contractual payments or other obligations based solely on this article. Consult qualified legal counsel for advice regarding your specific circumstances.

SCRC provides information and intake resources. Legal evaluation and representation, when applicable, are handled by qualified attorneys/CALG, subject to the applicable engagement and eligibility requirements.