PRE-INSTALLATION GUIDE
If you signed a solar contract but panels aren't on your roof yet, you may have the strongest cancellation window available. This guide covers your rights, the exact steps to take, and what the solar company may say to try to keep you.
Updated March 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
If your solar panels haven't been installed yet, you generally have the best chance of canceling your contract with minimal or zero cost. Within the cooling-off period (3-30 days depending on your state), cancellation is typically free and requires only a written notice. Past the cooling-off period but before installation, most contracts include provisions that may allow cancellation — though fees may apply for work already completed (site assessments, permits, equipment orders).
You signed within the last 3-30 days (varies by state). You can cancel at zero cost by sending a written notice. This is your strongest window. Act immediately. Check your state's cooling-off period →
Cooling-off expired but panels aren't installed. Check your contract for a pre-installation cancellation clause or 30-day cancellation window. You may face fees for completed work, but they're typically far less than post-installation exit costs.
Regardless of your specific window, always put your cancellation in writing. Do not rely on a phone call alone — written notice creates a legal paper trail.
Time-sensitive: If you believe you're within the cooling-off period, consider sending your written cancellation notice as soon as possible — the deadline is strict and measured in business days from when you received a signed copy of the contract. We recommend consulting an attorney if you're unsure of your rights or timeline. Send the written notice first, then follow up by phone.
Based on publicly reported homeowner experiences, some solar companies may use these approaches to prevent or delay cancellation:
If you feel pressured: Remember, you are the customer. If the solar company is being aggressive about preventing your cancellation, this may itself be a consumer protection violation. Document everything and consider filing a complaint with your state AG. If you need support, consult a consumer protection attorney — many offer free initial consultations. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Need help understanding your cancellation rights? Get a free preliminary contract review.
Estimates based on publicly reported experiences. Actual costs depend on your contract terms. Verify any fees against your specific contract language.
If unexpected roof repairs are needed before solar installation, many contracts include an "unforeseen circumstances" or "unexpected additional expenses" clause that allows cancellation. If the solar company didn't perform an adequate roof assessment before signing, this may also constitute a failure to properly evaluate the installation site.
If your solar financing application is denied after signing the installation contract, the installation contract may be contingent on financing approval. Review both your installation contract and your financing agreement for contingency clauses.
If the solar company has significantly delayed the installation beyond the timeline specified in your contract, this may constitute a breach that gives you grounds for cancellation. Document the delays and reference the contracted timeline in your cancellation notice.
If you were subjected to high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics, you may have additional consumer protections. Federal and state home solicitation laws provide cancellation rights specifically for contracts signed outside a seller's permanent place of business. If the salesperson used deceptive tactics or made false promises, you may have grounds for cancellation under your state's deceptive trade practices laws regardless of whether the cooling-off period has passed. Consult a consumer protection attorney. Find a lawyer →
During the cooling-off period, cancellation fees generally cannot be charged — this is protected under federal and most state consumer protection laws. After the cooling-off period, check your contract's specific termination clause for the exact fee amount and conditions. If the fee seems unreasonable (especially if no work has been performed), you may have grounds to dispute it. Some states limit the types of cancellation fees that can be charged. A consumer protection attorney can advise you on whether the fee is enforceable in your state.
A site assessment is typically a minor cost ($100-$300) in the overall project. Even if the solar company charges you for this, it's far less than the long-term cost of a 20-25 year contract you don't want. During the cooling-off period, they generally cannot charge you for it. After the cooling-off period, check your contract — some specifically state that site assessments are at the company's expense, while others may allow recovery of these costs upon cancellation.
Within the cooling-off period, you can cancel for any reason — including finding a better deal. After the cooling-off period, "I found a better deal" is generally not legal grounds for cancellation, but you can still pursue cancellation through your contract's termination clause (with potential fees). Before canceling to switch companies, compare the total cost of cancellation + the new contract versus completing the existing contract.
This is an important point. Under many state home solicitation laws, the cooling-off period doesn't begin until you receive a signed, dated copy of the contract. If you never received a copy (paper or electronic), your cancellation window may not have started yet. Additionally, some states require specific cancellation notices to be provided at the time of signing — if the solar company failed to provide these, the contract may be voidable. Consult an attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
Every day that passes narrows your cancellation window. Get a free contract review or explore your full range of options.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Results vary by individual situation, contract terms, and state laws. 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. See our Ownership Disclosure and Advertiser Disclosure.