Your Solar Questions, Answered Straight
By Solar Home Advocate
These are the questions we hear the most. Short, honest answers in plain English. Like talking to a neighbor who happens to know the industry.
If your question is not here, take a free Solar Relief Assessment. It is the fastest way to get an answer about YOUR contract.
1. Can I cancel my solar contract?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you signed within the last 3 business days, a federal law called TILA lets you cancel without a reason. After that, your options depend on what your paperwork says and whether the company broke any promises. See Can I Cancel My Solar Contract? for the full breakdown.
2. How do I know if my solar company lied about savings?
Compare your actual electric bills to what the salesperson promised. Check the savings numbers they showed you against the real numbers on your statements. If the gap is big, and their promise is not written in the contract, that is a warning sign. See Solar Fraud Help for what to do next.
3. What is the right-of-rescission period for solar contracts?
For most solar loans, you have 3 business days after you sign to cancel without giving a reason. This rule is part of a federal law called TILA. Some states add a few extra days. You must send the cancel in writing, not by phone.
4. Should I pay a "solar cancellation" company to get me out of my contract?
It depends on who you are paying. Some companies charge ten or fifteen thousand dollars up front and "guarantee" to cancel. Those are often scams. Real legal resolution services are different. An actual attorney reviews your case and works on a payment plan or contingency. Before paying anyone, take a free Solar Relief Assessment to figure out what fits your situation.
5. What's the difference between leasing and buying solar panels?
If you BUY the panels, you own them. You pay a loan over years, but you keep the system. If you LEASE, the company owns the panels. You pay them a monthly fee for 20 to 25 years. Leases often come with hidden price jumps. Owning is usually simpler when you sell your home.
6. My solar company went bankrupt — what happens to my contract?
Your loan is separate from your installer. Even if the company that put panels on your roof goes under, the lender still expects your payment. Your warranty may also be lost. Read Did Your Solar Installer Go Bankrupt? for what you can do.
7. Can I sell my house if I have a solar lease on it?
Yes, but it is harder. Many buyers refuse to take over a lease, especially with monthly price jumps. Your options are to have the buyer assume the lease, buy out the lease before closing, or move the panels. See The Solar Home Sale Trap.
8. Who should I report a solar scam to?
Start with your state Attorney General. It is free and takes fifteen minutes online. Also file with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If financing is involved, add the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you see forgery or other crimes, tell your local District Attorney.
9. Is solar worth it for my home?
It depends. Your electric rates, your roof, how long you plan to stay in the home, and what kind of contract you sign all matter. Solar CAN save money. But it is not always the deal you are told. Read the contract yourself before signing anything.
10. How much does it cost to buy out a solar contract?
It depends on your contract. Some buyouts match the remaining loan balance. Others charge more. Watch for hidden fees. Before paying, ask for the full payoff letter in writing. And check whether a UCC-1 lien will stay on your system after payoff.
11. Do I need a lawyer to get out of a solar contract?
Not always. Attorney General and BBB complaints cost nothing. Class actions are usually free to join. A lawyer is worth the cost when there is big money at stake, clear fraud, or a class action to join. See Solar Contract Legal Help.
12. What should I do if I signed a solar contract I don't understand?
First, gather everything. The full contract. The loan papers. Every text, email, and brochure. Then call someone who can read it in plain English. A free Solar Relief Assessment is a good starting point. No cost, no pressure.
Still Have Questions?
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Before you ask any solar question, write down what the salesperson promised on one side of a page and what the contract says on the other. The gap between those two columns is where every answer starts.