CONSUMER PROTECTION GUIDE
Solar complaints to the FTC have reportedly surged over 315% since 2022. Here's how to file an effective complaint, what the FTC does with it, and which other agencies can help you get results.
Updated March 28, 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
Filing complaints with the right agencies is one of the most important steps you can take when dealing with a problematic solar company. While no single complaint will solve your problem overnight, a strategic approach to filing with multiple agencies creates a paper trail, contributes to enforcement efforts, and can sometimes prompt companies to take your situation more seriously.
In This Guide
According to available data and reports, consumer complaints about solar companies have surged dramatically in recent years. By some estimates, solar-related complaints to the FTC and state agencies have increased approximately 315% since 2022. This surge has been driven by several factors:
| Complaint Type | Percentage (est.) | Typical Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Misleading savings claims | ~30% | FTC, State AG |
| Contract/cancellation issues | ~25% | FTC, State AG |
| Financing misrepresentation | ~20% | CFPB, State AG |
| Installation quality/defects | ~15% | Contractor Board, State AG |
| Warranty non-performance | ~10% | State AG, BBB |
Percentages are approximate estimates based on available reporting and our research. Actual breakdown varies by source.
Understanding how the FTC uses your complaint helps set realistic expectations and file more effectively.
Important: Even though the FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints, filing is still valuable. Your complaint contributes to the data that drives enforcement decisions. The more complaints the FTC receives about a specific company, the more likely it is to take action. The Pink Energy case is a direct example of FTC enforcement driven by high complaint volumes.
Filing an FTC complaint is straightforward and typically takes 15-30 minutes. Here's how to do it:
Phone alternative: You can also file by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The online form is generally more efficient and allows you to be more detailed, but the phone line is available if you prefer verbal communication.
Need help understanding your solar contract before filing complaints? Get a free preliminary review to clarify your situation.
The more detailed and well-documented your complaint, the more useful it is to enforcement agencies. Here's what to gather before you file:
Writing tip: Be factual and specific. Instead of "They lied about my savings," write: "The salesperson, [Name], told me on [date] that my electric bill would be reduced to approximately $X per month. My actual electric bill has averaged $Y per month since installation, which is Z% less savings than was represented." Specific, provable statements are far more useful to enforcement agencies than general complaints.
After submitting your FTC complaint, here's what you can generally expect:
Be patient — the FTC process moves slowly. In the meantime, file with other agencies and consider pursuing your own legal remedies.
The FTC has reportedly taken action against solar companies in several notable cases. Understanding these actions helps illustrate what the FTC looks for and how enforcement can benefit consumers.
The FTC's most prominent solar enforcement action to date was against Pink Energy (formerly Power Home Solar). According to the FTC's complaint, the company allegedly made misleading claims about energy savings and system performance to tens of thousands of consumers. The case reportedly demonstrated the FTC's willingness to take on major solar companies engaged in deceptive practices.
Full Pink Energy bankruptcy and FTC guide →
According to reports, the FTC has also:
In our assessment, filing with your state attorney general is often the single most effective complaint you can make. Here's why:
Based on our research, the following states have been particularly active in solar industry enforcement:
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is particularly relevant if your complaint involves solar financing — loans, billing errors, unclear disclosures, or deceptive lending practices.
Key advantage of CFPB complaints: The CFPB requires companies to respond to complaints, typically within 15 days. This means you're more likely to get a direct response from the company through the CFPB process than through the FTC. This makes the CFPB particularly useful for financing-related issues.
For solar leases and PPAs, your state's public utility commission (PUC) or energy commission may have jurisdiction. Some states require solar providers to hold specific licenses, and the PUC can investigate complaints about licensed entities. This is particularly relevant in states with strong solar regulatory frameworks like California, New York, and Massachusetts.
Solar installers typically need contractor licenses. Filing a complaint with your state's contractor licensing board is relevant if:
The BBB is not a government agency, but complaints through the BBB are often effective because companies care about their BBB rating. Many solar companies will engage with BBB complaints even when they've ignored direct requests. File at bbb.org.
Many counties and cities have local consumer protection offices that can assist with complaints and may offer mediation services. These offices are often under-utilized and can be surprisingly helpful.
Filing complaints is important, but you may also need professional help to navigate your contract exit. Get a free review.
For maximum impact, we recommend filing with multiple agencies. Here's our suggested strategy based on our research into what typically gets the best results:
We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Filing complaints is an important step, but it does not automatically entitle you to stop fulfilling your contractual obligations. Continue making payments while you pursue complaint and legal channels. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Complaints are one part of a broader strategy. Consider these additional steps:
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.
Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, click "Report Now," select the appropriate category, provide the company's details and a description of your experience, and submit. The process takes about 15-30 minutes. You can also call 1-877-FTC-HELP. Include as much detail as possible — company name, dates, specific representations made, financial impact, and documentation.
The FTC typically does not resolve individual complaints or provide direct relief to individual consumers. It uses complaint data to identify patterns and may take enforcement action against companies with high complaint volumes. For individual resolution, file with your state attorney general (they often mediate), the CFPB (for financing issues, the company must respond), or consult a qualified attorney.
According to available reports, solar-related complaints have surged dramatically — by some estimates, up approximately 315% since 2022. This increase is reportedly driven by solar company bankruptcies, unfulfilled warranties, misleading sales practices, and the growing number of homeowners seeking to exit contracts. The exact numbers are not always publicly disclosed, but the trend is clear.
In addition to the FTC, file with: your state attorney general (often the most effective for individual resolution), the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov (for financing issues — the company must respond), your state public utility commission (for leases/PPAs), your state contractor licensing board (for installation issues), and the BBB at bbb.org. Filing with multiple agencies is more effective than filing with just one.
Filing an FTC complaint alone is unlikely to directly result in contract cancellation. However, it contributes to enforcement efforts and creates an official record. Combined with state AG complaints, CFPB complaints, and legal representation, a comprehensive complaint strategy may pressure the company to negotiate. FTC enforcement actions can also result in consumer redress. Guide to canceling a solar contract →
Gather: the company's full legal name and contact information, your contract or account number, dates of key events, specific details about misrepresentations or problems, copies of your contract and marketing materials, records of communications, and financial documentation showing losses. The more specific and documented your complaint, the more useful it is to enforcement agencies.
Filing complaints is step one. Get a free contract review to understand your full range of options for getting out of a bad solar deal.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Information about complaint processes and agency capabilities is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most current procedures. 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. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.