SOLAR EXIT GUIDE
Vivint Solar was acquired by Sunrun in 2020, but your contract obligations remain. This guide covers how the acquisition affects your cancellation options and what you can do today.
Published April 13, 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
If you're trying to cancel Vivint Solar or wondering how to get out of a Vivint Solar lease agreement, you're not alone. Since Vivint Solar is now Sunrun following the 2020 acquisition, many former customers face confusion about cancellation options. Based on our research, Vivint Solar complaints and cancellation requests are among the most common inquiries we receive. This guide covers Vivint Solar buyout options, your legal rights, and how to navigate the process in 2026.
In This Guide
Vivint Solar was founded in 2011 as a subsidiary of Vivint Smart Home and quickly grew to become one of the largest residential solar installers in the United States. The company went public in 2014 and operated independently until its acquisition.
The acquisition means that Vivint Solar no longer exists as a separate entity. All customer service, billing, maintenance, and contract management for former Vivint Solar customers is now handled by Sunrun. However — and this is the critical point — your original contract terms did not change as a result of the acquisition.
Many homeowners wonder whether the Sunrun acquisition gives them any special rights or changes their contractual obligations. Here's what you need to know:
Important: While the acquisition itself doesn't give you legal grounds to cancel, it may have created situations worth examining — such as gaps in service, changes to how your account was managed, or confusion about who holds your contract. An attorney can evaluate whether any aspect of the transition affected your rights.
Since Vivint Solar contracts are now managed by Sunrun, the cancellation process mirrors what Sunrun offers for its own contracts.
If you recently signed a new agreement (such as a contract modification or renewal), your state's cooling-off period applies — typically 3 business days. Send written cancellation via certified mail immediately. Cooling-off period details → If panels haven't been installed yet, you may have additional options. Cancel solar before installation →
For most Vivint Solar customers — who signed their original contracts years ago — the cooling-off period has long passed. Your options include:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 855-478-6786 (Sunrun customer service) |
| Online | mySunrun account portal |
| Address in your original contract's cancellation provision |
While individual contracts vary, here are the terms commonly found in Vivint Solar agreements based on our research:
| Term | Typical Details |
|---|---|
| Contract length | 20 or 25 years |
| Type | Solar lease or PPA |
| Escalator clause | 1.5% to 2.9% annual increase |
| Buyout option | Available, typically after year 5-7 |
| Transfer allowed | Yes, with credit qualification |
| End-of-term options | Renew, buy, or have system removed |
Buying out your Vivint Solar contract is one of the most direct paths to exit. Since Sunrun now manages these contracts, the buyout process goes through them.
Your original Vivint Solar contract should include a buyout schedule or formula. Common approaches include:
Based on our research, Vivint Solar buyout costs typically fall in these ranges:
Negotiation Opportunity: Based on our research, buyout quotes may be negotiable. If the system has underperformed, if you've had ongoing service issues, or if you can demonstrate financial hardship, Sunrun may be willing to accept a lower buyout amount. Always get quotes in writing. Full guide to negotiating a solar buyout →
Like many solar companies, Vivint Solar contracts typically include annual escalator clauses. These clauses increase your payment by a fixed percentage each year, which compounds over the life of the contract.
A common Vivint Solar escalator rate is 2.9% annually. Here's how that compounds on a $140/month starting payment:
| Year | Monthly Payment | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $140 | $1,680 |
| Year 5 | $157 | $1,884 |
| Year 10 | $181 | $2,172 |
| Year 15 | $209 | $2,508 |
| Year 20 | $241 | $2,892 |
The concern is that if utility electricity rates don't rise at the same pace, your solar savings diminish over time — and in some cases, you may end up paying more for solar electricity than you would from the grid. Full guide to solar escalator clauses →
Have a Vivint Solar contract you want to exit? Get a free contract review to understand your options.
Based on our research of consumer complaints and public records, these are the issues most frequently reported by Vivint Solar customers:
Fair Perspective: Vivint Solar served hundreds of thousands of customers, and complaints represent a fraction of total installations. However, if you're experiencing issues like those described above, the pattern of similar complaints may be relevant to your situation — particularly if you're pursuing a misrepresentation claim.
If Sunrun (as the current manager of your Vivint Solar contract) has denied your cancellation request, here are your next steps:
Complete guide: Solar company won't let you cancel →
If standard channels haven't resolved your situation, legal action may be appropriate. Common grounds for legal claims involving Vivint Solar contracts include:
We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Continue making payments while pursuing cancellation or legal remedies through proper channels. Stopping payments can damage your credit and weaken your legal position. What happens if you stop paying →
Ownership Disclosure: SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. TRU Solar Cancellation offers a Solar Exit Document Package for a one-time $450 fee. TRU is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. See our full ownership disclosure for details.
Vivint Solar was acquired by Sunrun in October 2020 in a deal valued at approximately $3.2 billion. Vivint Solar no longer operates as a separate company, but existing Vivint Solar contracts remain valid and are now managed by Sunrun. If you have a Vivint Solar contract, contact Sunrun at 855-478-6786 for all inquiries.
Since Vivint Solar is now part of Sunrun, contact Sunrun at 855-478-6786 to discuss cancellation options. If you're within the cooling-off period, send written cancellation via certified mail. After the cooling-off period, options include buyout, lease transfer, or legal remedies if you have grounds such as misrepresentation. Results vary by individual situation.
The Sunrun acquisition generally did not change the terms of existing Vivint Solar contracts. Your original contract terms — including payment amounts, escalator clauses, contract length, and buyout provisions — should remain the same. However, your point of contact for service and billing has changed from Vivint Solar to Sunrun.
Vivint Solar buyout costs are determined by your original contract terms and are now administered by Sunrun. Buyout amounts typically range from $10,000 to $40,000+ depending on system size, remaining contract duration, and your specific agreement. Contact Sunrun to request a current buyout quote.
Yes, Vivint Solar leases (now managed by Sunrun) can typically be transferred to a new homeowner during a home sale. The new owner must meet Sunrun's credit requirements and agree to assume the remaining lease terms. Contact Sunrun early in the home sale process, as transfers can take 4-6 weeks or more. How to transfer a solar lease →
If a Vivint Solar salesperson made false claims about savings, costs, or contract terms, you may have legal grounds for a misrepresentation claim — even though Vivint Solar is now owned by Sunrun. Document all evidence, file complaints with your state attorney general and the FTC, and consult a consumer protection attorney. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Get a free contract review to evaluate your cancellation options and explore the best path forward.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. SolarPanelExit.com is not affiliated with Vivint Solar or Sunrun Inc. Contract terms vary by state and agreement date. 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 before taking action regarding your solar contract. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.