LEGAL ACTION GUIDE
Suing a solar company is a serious step that requires careful consideration. This guide covers when a lawsuit makes sense, what legal claims are available, how much it costs, and how to find the right attorney for your case.
Updated March 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
If you were misled by a solar salesperson, received a system that doesn't perform as promised, or are dealing with a company that refuses to honor its obligations, you may have legal grounds to sue. A consumer protection attorney can evaluate your case, and many offer free initial consultations. Depending on the strength of your claims, some work on contingency — meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Lawsuits against solar companies typically involve claims of misrepresentation, breach of contract, consumer protection violations, or Truth in Lending Act (TILA) violations.
Litigation is typically a last resort — it's expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. However, there are situations where a lawsuit may be the most effective path to a fair resolution. Based on our research, suing may be appropriate when:
Important: This guide provides general information about the legal process — it is not legal advice. SolarPanelExit.com is not a law firm. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Always consult with a licensed attorney before taking legal action.
Understanding the legal theories available helps you evaluate your situation and communicate effectively with potential attorneys. Here are the most common claims in solar company lawsuits:
The most common and often strongest claim. Every state has consumer protection statutes that prohibit deceptive business practices. If a solar salesperson made false claims about savings, costs, government programs, utility affiliation, or system performance, you may have a claim under your state's deceptive trade practices act. Many states allow treble (triple) damages and attorney fee recovery for violations.
Evidence needed: Documentation of false promises (texts, emails, sales materials), contract vs. actual terms, production data vs. claims
A broader claim that covers intentional deception. To prove fraud, you generally need to show: (1) the company made a false statement of material fact, (2) they knew it was false or made it recklessly, (3) they intended you to rely on it, (4) you reasonably relied on it, and (5) you suffered damages as a result. Fraud claims can result in punitive damages in some jurisdictions.
Evidence needed: Clear documentation of false statements, proof that you relied on them, financial damages
When the solar company fails to deliver on what the contract promises — guaranteed production levels, installation timelines, maintenance obligations, or specific equipment. If you can show the company breached material terms of the agreement, you may be entitled to damages or contract rescission.
Evidence needed: Contract terms, evidence of non-compliance, damage calculation
If your solar panels were financed, the lender must make specific disclosures under federal TILA regulations. Failure to properly disclose interest rates, total costs, or other required terms may give you the right to rescind the agreement. TILA claims have strict timelines — generally 3 years for rescission — so acting promptly is important.
Evidence needed: Loan documents, evidence of missing or incorrect disclosures
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule and state home solicitation laws require specific disclosures and cancellation rights for door-to-door sales. Violations — such as failure to provide a notice of cancellation rights — may make the contract voidable regardless of how much time has passed since signing.
Evidence needed: Contract showing it originated from home solicitation, missing required disclosures
If the solar installation caused roof damage, electrical problems, or other property damage, you may have claims for negligent installation. These cases may also involve the installer's bond and insurance. Substandard work may also be grounds for a complaint to your state's contractor licensing board.
Evidence needed: Photos of damage, repair estimates, inspection reports, contractor licensing records
Not sure if you have grounds to sue? Get a free preliminary contract review to understand your options.
Before pursuing litigation, take these steps to strengthen your position and ensure a lawsuit is truly necessary:
Pro tip: Do not stop making payments on your solar contract without legal advice. Stopping payments can damage your credit and give the solar company grounds for a counterclaim, potentially weakening your position. Continue making payments while you explore your legal options.
For a lawsuit against a solar company, you need an attorney with specific qualifications:
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General estimates. Costs vary significantly. Many consumer protection attorneys work on contingency for strong cases.
Fee-shifting can change the equation: Many state consumer protection statutes include provisions requiring the losing party to pay the winner's attorney fees. If your claims are strong, the solar company may end up paying your legal costs when you prevail. This is one of the most powerful tools in consumer protection law — ask your attorney whether fee-shifting applies in your state.
Understanding the litigation timeline helps you set realistic expectations:
Your attorney evaluates your case, gathers evidence, and sends a demand letter. The demand letter outlines your legal claims and requests a specific remedy (cancellation, refund, damages). Many solar companies settle at this stage to avoid the cost of litigation.
If the demand doesn't resolve the issue, your attorney files a formal complaint with the court. The solar company is served with the lawsuit and has a deadline (typically 20-30 days) to respond.
Both sides exchange evidence and information. This includes written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and depositions (sworn testimony). Discovery often reveals additional evidence that strengthens your case — or exposes patterns of misconduct by the solar company.
Most courts require mediation before trial. A neutral mediator helps both sides negotiate a resolution. The vast majority of lawsuits settle at or before this stage. Settlements can include contract cancellation, refunds, damages, and attorney fee recovery.
If settlement fails, your case goes to trial. A judge or jury hears the evidence and issues a verdict. Trials are relatively rare in solar cases — the expense and uncertainty motivate most companies to settle before reaching this point.
A full lawsuit isn't always necessary or advisable. Consider these alternatives:
Ownership disclosure: TRU Solar Cancellation, a DIY exit document provider mentioned on this site, shares common ownership with SolarPanelExit.com. Full disclosure →
Your state's consumer protection laws significantly impact the strength of your case and potential recovery:
| State | Key Statute | Treble Damages | Fee Shifting | Pre-Suit Notice Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | CLRA / UCL / Solar Consumer Protection Act | Possible | Yes | 30-day notice under CLRA |
| Texas | DTPA | Yes — knowing violations | Yes | 60-day notice required |
| Florida | FDUTPA | Possible | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | Consumer Fraud Act | Yes — automatic treble | Yes | No |
| New York | GBL §349/350 | Up to $1,000 statutory | Yes | No |
| Arizona | Consumer Fraud Act | Possible | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | Ch. 93A | Yes — willful | Yes | 30-day demand letter |
| Nevada | DTPA | Possible | Yes | No |
| North Carolina | UDTPA | Yes — willful | Yes | No |
| Georgia | FBPA | Limited | Limited | No |
Get a free preliminary contract review. We'll help you understand whether a lawsuit, exit company, or DIY approach makes the most sense.
Potentially, yes. If a solar salesperson made specific, false promises about your energy savings that induced you to sign the contract, you may have claims for misrepresentation and consumer protection violations. The key is documentation — if you have written or recorded evidence of the savings promises versus your actual savings, you have a stronger case. Verbal promises are harder to prove but not impossible, especially if other customers experienced the same deception. Consult with a consumer protection attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
Recovery depends on your specific claims and state laws. Potential recoveries include: contract cancellation and refund of all payments made, compensatory damages for financial losses, statutory damages under consumer protection laws, treble (triple) damages in states that allow them for willful violations, and attorney fee recovery under fee-shifting provisions. Some states' consumer protection statutes also allow recovery for emotional distress. An attorney can estimate potential recovery based on your specific facts.
Many solar contracts include mandatory arbitration clauses that may limit your ability to file a lawsuit. However, arbitration clauses are not always enforceable — particularly if they were not clearly disclosed, if they're unconscionable under your state's laws, or if they conflict with specific consumer protection provisions. An attorney can evaluate whether the arbitration clause in your contract is enforceable and what options you have.
It depends on the situation. If the company dissolved without filing bankruptcy, you may still be able to sue former owners or related entities. If they filed bankruptcy, you'd need to file a claim in the bankruptcy proceeding. You may also have claims against other parties: the financing company, the sales organization, equipment manufacturers, or a successor company that acquired the original company's contracts. An attorney can identify all potentially liable parties.
Statutes of limitations vary by state and claim type. Consumer protection claims typically have 2-6 year windows. Contract breach claims are usually 4-6 years. Fraud claims often have 3-4 year statutes but may be extended from the date of discovery (when you discovered or should have discovered the fraud). TILA rescission claims have a 3-year limit. Don't wait — consult an attorney as soon as you believe you have a claim to avoid losing your rights.
Class action lawsuits have been filed against some solar companies, particularly those with patterns of deceptive sales practices. If a class action exists for your solar company, you may be able to join it. However, class action recoveries for individual members are often smaller than individual lawsuits. An attorney can advise whether joining a class action or pursuing an individual claim is likely to produce a better outcome for your specific situation.
Generally, no. We do not advise stopping payments without specific legal counsel. Stopping payments can damage your credit score, trigger collection actions, and potentially give the solar company grounds for a counterclaim. Your attorney may advise you to continue making payments "under protest" while the lawsuit proceeds, which preserves your rights while maintaining your credit. Only stop payments if your attorney specifically advises it as part of your legal strategy.
Yes, if your claim is under your state's small claims court limit (typically $5,000-$10,000, though it varies). Small claims court is designed to be accessible without an attorney, has low filing fees ($50-$200), and resolves cases faster than regular civil court. However, you may not be able to pursue all available damages in small claims court, and some consumer protection provisions (like treble damages and fee-shifting) may not apply. For larger claims or complex cases, regular civil court with an attorney is usually more appropriate.
Start with a free contract review to understand your situation. We'll help you evaluate whether legal action is the right path.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about legal action against solar companies. It is not legal advice, and SolarPanelExit.com is not a law firm. We do not provide attorney referrals, legal representation, or legal advice. 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. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.