On this page
- Vivint Solar History and the Sunrun Acquisition
- Vivint Solar Now Sunrun: What Changed
- How to Cancel Vivint Solar Contract in 2026
- Typical Vivint Solar Contract Terms
- Vivint Solar Buyout Options and Costs
- Vivint Solar Escalator Clauses
- Common Vivint Solar Complaints
- What to Do If Denied Cancellation
- Legal Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Vivint Solar History and the Sunrun Acquisition
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.
Key Timeline
- 2011: Vivint Solar founded as part of Vivint Smart Home
- 2014: Vivint Solar goes public on the NYSE
- July 2020: Sunrun announces agreement to acquire Vivint Solar
- October 2020: Acquisition completed for approximately $3.2 billion in an all-stock deal
- 2021-Present: Vivint Solar contracts managed by Sunrun; Vivint Solar brand phased out
Why Does This Matter for Your Contract?
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.
Vivint Solar Now Sunrun: What Changed for Your Contract
Many homeowners wonder whether the Sunrun acquisition gives them any special rights or changes their contractual obligations. Here's what you need to know:
What Stayed the Same
- Contract terms: Your payment amount, escalator clause, contract length, and buyout provisions remain as originally agreed
- Payment obligations: You're still required to make all payments under your original contract
- Equipment ownership: The solar equipment is still owned by the financing company (now effectively Sunrun)
- UCC filings: Any UCC-1 financing statements remain in effect
What Changed
- Customer service: All inquiries now go through Sunrun (855-478-6786)
- Online portal: Your account may have been migrated to Sunrun's mySunrun platform
- Maintenance and warranty: Sunrun now handles all service and warranty claims
- Billing: Payments may now be processed by Sunrun
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.
How to Cancel Vivint Solar Contract in 2026
Since Vivint Solar contracts are now managed by Sunrun, the cancellation process mirrors what Sunrun offers for its own contracts.
If You're Still in the Cooling-Off Period
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 →
If You're Past the Cooling-Off Period
For most Vivint Solar customers, who signed their original contracts years ago, the cooling-off period has long passed. Your options include:
- Buyout: Purchase the system outright to end the lease or PPA
- Transfer: Transfer the contract to a new homeowner during a home sale
- Negotiate: Contact Sunrun to discuss early termination or modified terms
- Legal remedies: If you have grounds such as misrepresentation, pursue legal action
Contact Information
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 855-478-6786 (Sunrun customer service) |
| Online | mySunrun account portal |
| Address in your original contract's cancellation provision |
Typical Vivint Solar Contract Terms
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 |
Vivint Solar Buyout Options and Costs
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.
How Buyout Is Calculated
Your original Vivint Solar contract should include a buyout schedule or formula. Common approaches include:
- Fair market value: The appraised value of the solar system at the time of buyout
- Remaining payment schedule: The total of remaining lease payments, sometimes discounted
- Predetermined schedule: A fixed buyout amount for each year of the contract
Typical Buyout Ranges
Based on our research, Vivint Solar buyout costs typically fall in these ranges:
- Early contract (years 1-5): $18,000 to $38,000+
- Mid-contract (years 6-12): $10,000 to $22,000
- Late contract (years 13+): $5,000 to $12,000
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 →
Vivint Solar Escalator Clauses
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 matched with an exit company to understand your options.
Common Vivint Solar Complaints
Based on our research of consumer complaints and public records, these are the issues most frequently reported by Vivint Solar customers:
Sales-Related Complaints
- Aggressive door-to-door sales tactics
- Overpromising on savings and energy production
- Inadequate disclosure of escalator clauses and contract length
- Pressure to sign immediately without time to review
- Misrepresentation of the contract as a "government program" or "free"
Post-Acquisition Complaints
- Confusion about who to contact for service and billing
- Account migration issues when transitioning to Sunrun systems
- Delays in warranty and maintenance service during the transition period
- Difficulty obtaining clear buyout quotes
System Performance
- Energy production below projections in the original proposal
- Roof damage or leaks related to installation
- Equipment malfunctions with slow repair response
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.
What to Do If Denied Cancellation
If Sunrun (as the current manager of your Vivint Solar contract) has denied your cancellation request, here are your next steps:
Escalate with Sunrun
- Ask to speak with a supervisor or the "Executive Resolution" team
- Send a formal written complaint to Sunrun's corporate office
- Document every interaction: names, dates, times, and what was discussed
File Regulatory Complaints
- State Attorney General: Consumer protection division
- CFPB: For financing-related complaints
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- BBB: File against both Vivint Solar and Sunrun
- State Contractor Licensing Board: For installation-related issues
Complete guide: Solar company won't let you cancel →
Legal Options
If standard channels haven't resolved your situation, legal action may be appropriate. Common grounds for legal claims involving Vivint Solar contracts include:
- Misrepresentation: False claims about savings, costs, or contract terms during the original sale. Solar salesman lied to me →
- Door-to-door sales violations: Vivint Solar was known for aggressive door-to-door sales. If the sale didn't comply with your state's door-to-door sales laws, you may have grounds for rescission. Door-to-door solar sales rights →
- Cooling-off period violations: If your cancellation rights weren't properly disclosed
- State consumer protection violations: Various state-specific protections may apply
- Class action participation: In some cases, class action lawsuits have been filed against solar companies for systematic misrepresentation. Solar panel class action lawsuits →
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:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vivint Solar still in business?
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.
How do I cancel my Vivint Solar contract?
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.
Did the Sunrun acquisition change my Vivint Solar contract terms?
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.
How much does it cost to buy out a Vivint Solar lease?
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.
Can I transfer my Vivint Solar lease to a new homeowner?
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 →
What if I was misled by a Vivint Solar salesperson?
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 matched with a solar exit company to talk through your options.
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. Consult a qualified attorney before taking action regarding your solar contract. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.