How to Cancel an ADT Solar Contract

ADT Solar, which previously operated as Sunpro Solar, was acquired by Sunrun in 2023. If you signed a contract with ADT Solar or Sunpro Solar, your agreement has reportedly been transferred to Sunrun. Your cancellation options depend on when you signed, the type of agreement, and your state's consumer protection laws. This guide covers what we've found -- but always verify current policies directly with the servicing company, as policies may change.

Understanding the ADT Solar to Sunrun Transition

ADT entered the residential solar market through its acquisition of Sunpro Solar in 2021, rebranding the company as ADT Solar. However, in 2023, ADT reportedly sold its solar business to Sunrun, the largest residential solar company in the U.S. This means your ADT Solar contract has likely gone through multiple ownership changes.

Timeline of Changes

According to consumer reports, this chain of acquisitions has created confusion for some homeowners who signed contracts with Sunpro or ADT Solar and now find themselves dealing with Sunrun. Your original contract terms should generally remain intact regardless of the ownership change, but the company handling your account has changed.

ADT Solar Contract Types and Cancellation Implications

Based on our research, ADT Solar offered several types of agreements. Identifying your contract type is the first step toward understanding your exit options.

Solar Loan Agreements

ADT Solar reportedly offered solar loans as their primary financing option. Under a loan agreement, you own the panels but are making monthly payments on the financed amount. Key considerations:

• You own the system, so you have more flexibility than lease or PPA customers
• Your loan may be held by a third-party lender (not Sunrun), so check who services your loan
• Paying off the loan balance eliminates your monthly obligation
• Some loans reportedly included dealer fees that were rolled into the loan balance
• If the loan includes a UCC lien, it may need to be released after payoff

UCC lien removal guide →

Solar Lease Agreements

Some ADT Solar customers reportedly signed lease agreements. With a lease, ADT Solar (now Sunrun) owns the panels and you make fixed monthly payments:

• Fixed monthly payments, typically with an annual escalator
• The solar company owns the equipment
• Typically 20-25 year contract terms
• Buyout option may be available after a certain number of years
• Transfer to a new homeowner may be possible when selling

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Based on our research, ADT Solar also reportedly offered PPAs in certain markets:

• You pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated
• The solar company owns the equipment
• Rate escalator may increase the per-kWh price annually
• Buyout typically based on fair market value

Option 1: Cooling-Off Period Cancellation

If you recently signed an ADT Solar contract, you may still be within your state's cooling-off period. This is generally the simplest and most cost-effective way to cancel.

• The federal FTC Cooling-Off Rule provides 3 business days for contracts signed in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business
• Many states provide additional time -- some up to 30 days for solar-specific contracts
• Your contract should include the required cooling-off period disclosure and cancellation form
• Send your cancellation notice in writing via certified mail with return receipt requested
• If you're within the cooling-off period, cancellation should be at zero cost to you

Pre-installation cancellation guide →

Option 2: Pre-Installation Cancellation

If you signed an ADT Solar contract but panels have not yet been installed, your cancellation options are generally better than after installation. Given the ADT Solar to Sunrun transition, some installations may have been delayed, potentially giving homeowners more time to cancel.

• Contact Sunrun customer service as soon as possible to request cancellation
• Put your cancellation request in writing (both email and certified letter recommended)
• Even if the cooling-off period has passed, pre-installation cancellation may be possible depending on your contract terms
• If site surveys, permits, or equipment have already been ordered, there may be cancellation charges -- review your contract carefully
• The transition from ADT Solar to Sunrun may have created delays that work in your favor

Option 3: System Buyout

For lease and PPA customers, purchasing the system outright is a common exit strategy. Once you buy the system, you own it and eliminate ongoing monthly payments.

• Lease buyout: Your original ADT Solar lease should include a buyout schedule with predetermined prices for each year. Check the "purchase option" section of your agreement
• PPA buyout: PPA buyouts are typically based on the system's fair market value at the time of purchase
• Timing: Buyouts are generally available after a certain number of years (often 5-7), though this varies by contract
• Request a buyout quote: Contact Sunrun directly to get your current buyout price
• Negotiate: The initial buyout quote may be negotiable, particularly if you obtain an independent appraisal showing a lower value

Option 4: Lease or PPA Transfer

If you're selling your home, you may be able to transfer your ADT Solar lease or PPA to the new homeowner. Since your contract is now serviced by Sunrun, the transfer process reportedly follows Sunrun's standard procedures:

• Notify Sunrun of your intent to sell and transfer the agreement
• The buyer will need to complete a credit application
• Sunrun must approve the transfer based on the buyer's creditworthiness
• Transfer paperwork and a potential transfer fee may apply
• The process reportedly takes 2-6 weeks

Guide to selling a home with solar →

Option 5: Legal Cancellation

If you believe you were misled during the ADT Solar or Sunpro Solar sales process, you may have legal grounds for contract cancellation. Based on publicly available consumer complaints, commonly reported issues include:

• Misleading savings projections that did not account for escalator clauses or changing utility rates
• Sales representatives making verbal promises that differed from the written contract
• Confusion about what entity the homeowner was actually contracting with (Sunpro, ADT Solar, or a financing company)
• High-pressure door-to-door sales tactics
• Misrepresentation of the contract type (e.g., telling the homeowner they were purchasing when they were actually signing a lease)
• Hidden dealer fees rolled into financing
• Failure to clearly explain the long-term cost implications

Find a solar panel lawyer →

How to Contact Sunrun About Your ADT Solar Contract

Since ADT Solar contracts are now reportedly serviced by Sunrun, you should contact Sunrun for any account questions or cancellation requests. Contact information may change, so verify on Sunrun's official website.

Filing Complaints About ADT Solar

If you're unable to resolve your issue directly, you can file complaints with the following organizations:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint at bbb.org. You may need to file under both ADT Solar and Sunrun depending on who is servicing your account
• State Attorney General: File a consumer complaint with your state's AG office
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): For financing-related complaints, file at consumerfinance.gov
• State Public Utilities Commission: In some states, the PUC handles solar complaints
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report deceptive practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• State Contractors Licensing Board: If your issue involves installation quality, file with your state's licensing authority

ADT Solar BBB Complaints and Consumer Issues

Based on publicly available information, ADT Solar and its predecessor Sunpro Solar reportedly received a significant number of consumer complaints through the BBB and other channels. Commonly reported issues, according to consumer reports, include:

• Installation delays and scheduling issues
• System underperformance relative to sales projections
• Difficulty reaching customer service, particularly during the transition to Sunrun
• Confusion over billing and account management after ownership changes
• Concerns about dealer fees and financing terms
• Property damage during installation

We recommend checking the BBB website directly for the most current complaint data and ratings. Note that BBB ratings reflect the company's response to complaints, not necessarily the overall quality of their service.

Impact of Multiple Ownership Changes on Your Contract

The Sunpro Solar to ADT Solar to Sunrun transition is unusual in the solar industry and has created unique challenges for homeowners. Based on our research, here are key considerations:

• Contract terms: Your original contract terms should generally remain the same regardless of ownership changes, as contract assignments typically preserve the original terms
• Warranty coverage: Equipment warranties (panels, inverters) are typically from the manufacturer, not the installer, so they should remain valid. Installation or workmanship warranties may be more complicated
• Monitoring and maintenance: Your system monitoring and maintenance agreements may have transitioned to Sunrun's platform
• Documentation: Keep copies of your original contract with Sunpro/ADT Solar, any modification notices, and all transition-related communications

Alternatives to Cancellation

Before pursuing full cancellation, consider whether any of these alternatives might address your concerns:

• Payment restructuring: If affordability is the issue, ask Sunrun about any hardship programs or payment modification options
• System optimization: If the system is underperforming, request a performance review and any necessary repairs or adjustments
• Escalator negotiation: For lease or PPA customers, some homeowners have reportedly negotiated changes to their escalator terms
• Early buyout: Even if your contract doesn't specify an early buyout option, asking for one may yield a negotiated exit
• Solar panel removal companies: As a last resort, some companies specialize in solar panel removal, though this does not eliminate your financial obligation under the contract

Complete solar contract exit guide →

Frequently Asked Questions