COMPREHENSIVE EXIT GUIDE
If you're locked into a solar lease, PPA, or loan that isn't working for you, there may be options available. This guide covers every exit method we identified in our research — from cooling-off cancellation to legal remedies — along with estimated costs, timelines, and considerations for each.
Updated March 2026 · Based on independent research · Not legal advice · Our methodology
Common methods for getting out of a solar panel contract may include: using your state's cooling-off period (if still within the window), negotiating a contract buyout with the solar company, transferring the lease to a new homeowner when selling, pursuing legal remedies if you were misled during the sales process, refinancing a solar loan, or hiring a professional exit service company. The right approach depends on your contract type, state laws, and individual circumstances. We always recommend consulting a qualified attorney before taking action.
Before exploring exit options, it's important to identify which type of solar contract you signed. The available exit methods differ significantly depending on your contract type.
You pay a fixed monthly payment to use solar panels owned by a third party. The solar company owns the equipment and is typically responsible for maintenance. Contracts usually run 20-25 years with annual escalator clauses of 2-5%.
You buy the electricity generated by panels at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The solar company still owns the equipment. Like leases, PPAs typically last 20-25 years and may include annual rate escalators.
You financed the purchase of solar panels and own the equipment. You're making monthly loan payments. Exit options differ because you own the system — you may be able to refinance, pay off early, or sell the system with the home.
Not sure which type you have? Check your original agreement. Look for the words "lease," "power purchase agreement," "PPA," or "loan" on the first page. If you can't find your contract, contact your solar company and ask them to send you a copy. You can also check your county recorder's office for any UCC-1 filings (liens) associated with your property. Learn about UCC liens →
Many states provide a "cooling-off period" — a short window after signing during which you may cancel without penalty. This exists because federal and state consumer protection laws recognize that major financial decisions deserve a second look, particularly when the sale occurred through door-to-door solicitation.
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Cooling-Off Rule" generally provides 3 business days to cancel certain sales made at your home or at locations that are not the seller's permanent place of business. However, state laws vary — some states extend this window significantly.
How to use the cooling-off period:
Important: If your cooling-off period has already passed, this method is not available to you. Move on to the other methods below. Do not assume you can cancel simply by refusing to cooperate — this could be treated as a breach of contract. Consult an attorney.
Most solar lease and PPA contracts include a buyout provision that allows you to purchase the system outright. Once you own the panels, you have no further monthly obligations. The buyout may occur at a scheduled price (specified in the contract at certain intervals) or at the system's current fair market value.
Key considerations for buyouts:
Before pursuing a buyout: Get the exact payoff amount in writing from your solar company. Compare this to the cost of continuing your monthly payments through the end of the contract. In some cases, completing the contract may actually cost less than an early buyout — particularly if your system is relatively new.
If you're selling your home, you may be able to transfer your solar lease or PPA to the new homeowner. The new owner assumes the remaining payments and obligations. This is one of the most common exit paths — but it comes with complications.
Challenges with transfers:
Read our complete solar lease exit guide → | Guide to selling a home with solar panels →
Not sure which method applies to your situation? Get a free preliminary assessment.
If you believe you were misled during the solar sales process, you may have legal grounds for contract cancellation or rescission. Common legal grounds that attorneys may evaluate include:
This is not legal advice. Legal remedies are complex and depend entirely on your specific facts, contract language, and state laws. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified consumer protection attorney before pursuing any legal action. An attorney can evaluate whether you have viable legal grounds and advise you on the risks and potential outcomes. See our guide to finding a solar panel lawyer →
What to document if you believe you were misled:
If you purchased your solar panels with a loan, refinancing may reduce your monthly payments — though it won't eliminate the contract. This option is relevant if your primary concern is the monthly payment amount rather than removing the panels entirely.
Note: Refinancing does not get you out of owning the solar panels — it restructures the debt. If your goal is to remove the panels entirely, this method alone won't accomplish that. Consider combining refinancing with eventually selling the home (with owned panels, which may increase value).
A growing number of companies specialize in helping homeowners navigate the solar contract exit process. These companies may offer some or all of the following: buyout negotiation, lease transfer facilitation, legal referral coordination, and end-to-end case management.
We independently reviewed 12+ solar exit companies and ranked the top 3 based on publicly available customer reviews, pricing transparency, service scope, and complaint history.
See our editorial rankings of the best solar cancellation companies →
Ownership disclosure: TRU Solar Cancellation, our #1 ranked company, shares common ownership with SolarPanelExit.com. We disclose this relationship prominently. We encourage you to research all ranked companies independently. Full ownership disclosure →
What to look for when evaluating an exit company:
Get a free preliminary assessment or take our 2-minute quiz to explore which options may apply to your situation.
| Method | Est. Cost* | Timeline | Contract Types | Best When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling-Off Period | $0 | 3-30 days | All types | You just signed |
| Contract Buyout | $5K–$40K+ | 30-90 days | Lease, PPA | You have capital available |
| Lease Transfer | $0–$2K | 1-3 months | Lease, PPA | You're selling your home |
| Legal Remedies | $2.5K–$15K+ | 3-12 months | All types | You were misled or defrauded |
| Loan Refinance | $500–$3K | 30-60 days | Loan only | You want lower payments |
| Exit Service Company | Varies | 1-8 months | All types | You want professional help |
*All cost estimates are approximate, based on publicly available information and reported homeowner experiences as of March 2026. Your actual costs may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of pricing or outcomes. Consult a qualified professional for an accurate assessment of your situation.
If you're considering exiting your solar contract, here is a general process that may be helpful. This is informational only — not legal advice.
Critical warning: We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments on their solar contracts or to breach any contractual obligations. Doing so without proper legal guidance can have serious consequences including damage to your credit score, collection actions, tax liability, and potential lawsuits. Always consult a qualified attorney before making decisions about your solar contract.
In our research, we've identified several common mistakes homeowners make when trying to exit solar contracts:
In most cases, yes — but it typically costs money. After the cooling-off period has passed and panels are installed, your main options are usually a contract buyout, lease transfer (if selling your home), or legal remedies (if you have grounds). The availability and cost of each option depends on your specific contract terms and state laws. We recommend consulting with an attorney to evaluate your options. Read our guide to canceling after installation →
It depends on the method you use. A properly executed buyout or lease transfer should not negatively impact your credit. However, if you stop making payments without a legal basis, the solar company may report the delinquency to credit bureaus, which could significantly damage your credit score. Legal challenges that are resolved in your favor typically should not impact credit, but the process can take months. Always consult a qualified attorney and understand the potential credit implications before taking action.
Timelines vary significantly by method. Cooling-off cancellations can be completed in days. Buyouts typically take 30-90 days. Lease transfers usually take 1-3 months (aligned with the home sale process). Legal challenges can take 3-12 months or longer. Exit service companies report timelines of 1-8 months depending on the approach and the solar company's responsiveness. These are general estimates based on our research — your situation may differ.
If your solar company refuses to negotiate a buyout or transfer, you may want to consult with a consumer protection attorney to understand what legal options may be available to you. An attorney can review your contract for potential breaches, misrepresentation, or violations of state-specific solar contract laws. You can also file complaints with your state attorney general's office, the Better Business Bureau, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Find a solar panel lawyer →
It depends on your situation and comfort level. Exit service companies can be helpful if you want professional guidance navigating the exit process, especially if you're unsure which method is best for your situation. However, not all exit companies are equal — we recommend researching any company thoroughly before engaging their services. Check their reviews, ask for references, understand their pricing, and never pay large upfront fees without clear documentation of what services will be provided. See our editorial rankings →
If you breach your contract (for example, by stopping payments without legal grounds), the solar company could potentially pursue legal action including collection, credit reporting, or a lawsuit. However, if you use a legitimate exit method — such as exercising your cooling-off period, completing a buyout, or pursuing legal remedies for documented misrepresentation — you are not breaching the contract. This is why we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney before taking any action, and why we never advise homeowners to simply stop paying.
This depends on your contract type and exit method. If you buy out a lease or PPA, you own the panels and can keep them, have them removed, or sell them with your home. If you achieve a legal cancellation due to misrepresentation, the solar company is typically responsible for removing the equipment at their expense. If you're transferring a lease during a home sale, the panels stay on the roof with the new owner. In all cases, review your specific contract for removal clauses and associated costs.
In some cases, yes. While your contract specifies buyout terms, solar companies may be willing to negotiate — particularly if you're selling your home and the alternative is a failed sale (which means they lose the new homeowner as a potential customer). Some homeowners have reported successfully negotiating buyout prices 20-40% below the contract amount, though this is not guaranteed. Document your negotiation in writing and consider having an attorney or exit service professional assist with the negotiation for better leverage.
Not always, but we recommend at least consulting with one. For simple situations — like exercising your cooling-off period or completing a straightforward buyout — you may be able to handle the process yourself, potentially with help from a DIY document kit. For situations involving misrepresentation, fraud, or complex legal issues, an attorney is strongly recommended. Many consumer protection attorneys offer free initial consultations, so the cost of getting professional advice on your options is often zero. Find a solar panel lawyer →
A UCC-1 filing (Uniform Commercial Code lien) is a public notice that a solar company has a financial interest in equipment installed on your property. This can complicate home sales because title companies may flag it, and buyers may be concerned about inheriting the obligation. In most cases, the UCC lien is removed when the contract is satisfied (through buyout, transfer, or cancellation). If your solar company has filed a UCC lien, this is something to discuss with both your attorney and any exit service you engage. Learn about UCC lien removal →
Get a free preliminary contract review or see which exit companies our editorial team recommends.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and represents the opinions of the SolarPanelExit.com editorial team based on independent research. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Every solar contract situation is unique. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. We may earn compensation when you contact companies through our site. Consult a qualified attorney before taking action. See our Ownership Disclosure, Methodology, and Advertiser Disclosure.