SOLAR EXIT GUIDE
A complete guide to filing complaints against solar companies with every relevant agency — from your state attorney general to the FTC, CFPB, BBB, and contractor licensing boards.
Get a Free Contract Review →Published April 13, 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
When a solar company has engaged in deceptive practices, failed to honor its contractual obligations, or caused damage to your property, knowing how to file a solar complaint is one of the most powerful tools available to you as a consumer. Whether you need to report a solar company to the attorney general, file a solar company complaint with the FTC online, or submit a consumer protection complaint about solar panels, this guide covers every avenue. Based on our research, homeowners who file complaints with multiple agencies simultaneously tend to see faster and more meaningful responses.
In This Guide
The strength of your complaint depends largely on the documentation you can provide. Before filing with any agency, gather and organize the following materials:
Pro tip: Create a timeline of events from your first contact with the solar company through the present. Complaint reviewers at government agencies process many complaints — a clear, chronological narrative makes it easier for them to understand your situation and take action.
In our assessment, the state attorney general's office is typically the most impactful place to file a consumer protection complaint about solar panels. State AGs have the authority to investigate companies, issue subpoenas, and bring enforcement actions that can result in restitution for consumers. If you're wondering how to report a solar company to the attorney general, the process is more straightforward than you might expect.
When an attorney general's office receives a sufficient volume of complaints about a single company, it can trigger a formal investigation. Multiple state AGs have already taken enforcement actions against solar companies, resulting in multi-million dollar settlements and consumer restitution. Your complaint may be the one that tips the scale toward an investigation.
Most state AG offices will acknowledge receipt within 1-2 weeks. They may forward your complaint to the company and give them a deadline to respond (typically 15-30 days). The AG may mediate between you and the company, investigate further, or add your complaint to their database for pattern tracking. Response times generally range from 30-90 days, though complex matters may take longer.
The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws, including the FTC Act's prohibition against unfair or deceptive practices and the Cooling-Off Rule that applies to door-to-door sales. Filing a solar company complaint FTC online is free and takes about 15-20 minutes.
Important to understand: The FTC generally does not resolve individual consumer complaints. Instead, it uses complaint data to identify patterns and decide which companies to investigate and pursue enforcement actions against. Filing still matters — your complaint contributes to the overall picture that may trigger federal action.
If your complaint involves the financing aspects of your solar deal — the loan, lease, or PPA terms, unauthorized credit checks, or issues with your solar lender — the CFPB is a critical filing destination.
Unlike the FTC, the CFPB does forward complaints to the company and expects a response, typically within 15 days. Companies are required to respond to CFPB complaints, and the CFPB publishes complaint data publicly, which creates additional pressure for resolution.
While the BBB is not a government agency and has no enforcement authority, the decision to file a BBB complaint against a solar company can be surprisingly effective. Many solar companies actively monitor and respond to BBB complaints because their BBB rating affects consumer trust and can impact lead generation.
Ownership disclosure: TRU Solar Cancellation, which shares common ownership with SolarPanelExit.com, offers a Solar Exit Document Package that may help homeowners prepare documentation for complaints and exit strategies. This is a paid service ($450). See our Ownership Disclosure for full details.
Not sure where to start? A free contract review can help identify the best complaint strategy for your situation.
Solar installers are typically required to hold contractor licenses (electrical and/or general contractor) in the states where they operate. If the company performed substandard work, violated licensing requirements, or engaged in practices that violate contractor regulations, your state's contractor licensing board can take action.
Search for "[your state] contractor licensing board complaint" to find the appropriate form. The board name varies by state — it may be called the Contractors State License Board, Department of Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Licensure, or similar. Provide the contractor's license number (which should be on your contract), a description of the issue, and any supporting documentation including photos of faulty work.
Contractor board complaints can result in license suspension or revocation, fines, and in some cases, access to state contractor recovery funds that may compensate consumers for financial losses.
If you have a solar lease or PPA, your state's public utilities commission (PUC) may have jurisdiction over the arrangement, particularly if the solar company is classified as an energy provider. PUC complaints are particularly relevant for:
Search for "[your state] public utilities commission complaint" to find the filing process. Note that not all states' PUCs have jurisdiction over solar leases and PPAs — the regulatory landscape is evolving. Learn more about solar PPAs →
Some states have a Department of Energy or Energy Office that handles solar-related consumer complaints. This is more common in states with significant solar adoption.
Many counties and cities have their own consumer protection offices that can mediate disputes and, in some cases, take enforcement action against local businesses.
While not a formal complaint channel, contacting your state representative or senator's office about your solar experience can be effective. Legislators can pressure companies, advocate for regulatory changes, and direct you to appropriate resources. Many legislators have constituent services staff specifically for these situations.
Public reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media platforms can put pressure on solar companies to resolve complaints. Many companies have social media teams that actively respond to negative posts. Be factual and avoid claims you can't support.
| Agency | Response Time | Company Required to Respond? | Can Enforce? |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Attorney General | 30-90 days | Often yes | Yes |
| FTC | Varies | No | Yes (enforcement) |
| CFPB | 15 days | Yes | Yes |
| BBB | 14-30 days | Expected | No |
| Contractor Board | 60-180 days | Yes | Yes (license) |
| Public Utilities Comm. | 30-90 days | Often yes | Yes |
After filing, keep records of all confirmation numbers, reference numbers, and correspondence from the agencies. Follow up if you don't hear back within the expected timeframe. Some agencies may contact you for additional information or to mediate between you and the company.
Complaints are an important first step, but they may not be sufficient for every situation. Based on our research, you should generally consider consulting an attorney when:
An attorney can evaluate whether you have viable legal claims, advise you on the best strategy, and handle negotiations or litigation on your behalf. Many consumer protection attorneys offer free initial consultations. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Tip: Even if you plan to hire a lawyer, filing complaints first creates an official record of your dispute. Attorney generals and the CFPB may also mediate a resolution before legal action becomes necessary — potentially saving you thousands in legal fees.
Important: We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations while pursuing complaints or legal options. Continue making your scheduled payments until you have clear legal guidance specific to your situation. Defaulting can damage your credit and weaken your legal position. Results vary by individual case.
You can file complaints with multiple agencies: your state attorney general's consumer protection division, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for financing complaints, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your state's contractor licensing board, and your state's public utilities commission. Filing with multiple agencies simultaneously is recommended for maximum impact.
Filing complaints can be effective, though results vary. State attorney general complaints are generally considered the most impactful because they can trigger investigations. When an AG receives enough complaints about a company, they may take enforcement action. BBB complaints often receive responses because companies care about their BBB rating. However, complaints alone may not resolve your individual situation — they are often most effective as part of a broader strategy that may include legal consultation.
Gather the following before filing: your signed contract and all amendments, all correspondence with the solar company (emails, letters, texts), notes from phone calls (dates, who you spoke with, what was discussed), marketing materials or sales presentations you received, photos of any installation issues or damage, utility bills showing before and after energy production, records of payments made, and any written promises or guarantees from sales representatives.
Resolution timelines vary widely by agency and complexity. BBB complaints typically receive a response within 14-30 days. State attorney general complaints may take 30-90 days for initial processing, though complex investigations can take much longer. FTC and CFPB complaints are entered into databases but may not result in individual resolution — they are primarily used to identify patterns for enforcement action. State contractor board complaints typically take 60-180 days to investigate.
Yes, and it is generally recommended to do so. Each agency has different authority and enforcement mechanisms, so filing with multiple agencies increases the chances of a meaningful response. There is no legal prohibition against filing with multiple agencies simultaneously. Just ensure your complaint is accurate and consistent across all filings.
These are not mutually exclusive options. Filing complaints is free and can be done regardless of whether you also consult an attorney. For straightforward issues (slow customer service, minor billing disputes), complaints may be sufficient. For more serious matters (fraud, misrepresentation, significant financial harm, contract cancellation), consulting a consumer protection attorney is generally advisable. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Start with a free contract review to understand your options — from filing complaints to pursuing legal remedies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Filing complaints does not guarantee resolution. Results vary by individual situation. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.