What You Need to Know: To file a complaint against a solar company, write to the company first. Then escalate to the agency that matches your problem. Poor workmanship and installation defects usually go to a contractor licensing board. Deceptive sales go to the state attorney general. Loan issues go to the CFPB.
Matching the Complaint to the Right Agency
Before you file a complaint against a solar company, identify what actually went wrong. The right agency depends on that problem. Each agency handles a specific type of problem. Sending a complaint to the wrong office wastes weeks.
| Agency | Handles | Best For | What to Expect |
| Solar company | Its own customer issues | Repairs, billing, warranty claims | A direct fix or a documented refusal |
| State contractor licensing board | Licensed contractor conduct | Poor workmanship, abandoned jobs, license problems | Investigation and possible discipline |
| State attorney general | Consumer protection law | Deceptive sales, false savings claims | Mediation or a pattern-based investigation |
| CFPB | Consumer financial products | Solar loan billing, servicing, disclosures | Company response within set deadlines |
| FTC | Fraud and deceptive practices | Scams, misleading advertising | Data shared with law enforcement |
| Public utility commission | Utility and interconnection issues | Net metering, permission-to-operate delays | Review of the utility’s actions |
| Better Business Bureau | Business disputes | Public record of the complaint | Voluntary company response |
Many homeowners file with more than one agency. A deceptive loan sale, for example, may fit both the attorney general and the CFPB.
Preparing an Evidence File First
Gather documents before you file a complaint against a solar company. A strong complaint is built on records, not memory. Agencies read many complaints daily. Clear evidence moves yours ahead of vague ones.
- Contract documents: The full agreement, disclosures, addendums, and any e-signature audit trail.
- Sales materials: Proposals, savings estimates, texts, and emails from the salesperson.
- Payment records: Loan statements, lease bills, and proof of every payment.
- Performance records: Monitoring screenshots and utility bills from before and after installation.
- Photos: Roof damage, leaks, unfinished work, or equipment problems.
- Communication log: Dates, names, and summaries of every call with the company.
Writing the Complaint Narrative
The narrative should read like a short timeline, not a long story. Start with the date you signed and the company’s full legal name. Then describe what was promised, what actually happened, and the harm caused.
End with a specific request. Examples include a repair by a set date, a refund, or a contract correction. Agencies act more effectively when they know the outcome you want.
Step-by-Step Process to File a Complaint Against a Solar Company
Most homeowners get better results by escalating in a clear order. The steps below follow that order.
- Send a written demand to the company: Use email and certified mail, and set a reasonable deadline for a response.
- Escalate inside the company: Ask for a supervisor or the corporate complaints department in writing.
- Contact the lender or financier: The company holding your contract may pressure the installer to respond.
- File with the matching agency: Use the table above to choose the licensing board, attorney general, or CFPB.
- Add federal reports: Report deceptive practices to the FTC to support broader enforcement.
- Track every response: Record reference numbers, deadlines, and any replies you receive.
Industry Association Complaints
Some installers belong to the Solar Energy Industries Association. SEIA publishes consumer resources and a business code for its members. Homeowners can contact SEIA about member conduct, though the association cannot force a refund.
Federal Complaint Options
Federal agencies help in different ways. One resolves individual disputes more directly, while the other supports broader enforcement.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB handles complaints about solar loans and their servicing. Homeowners can submit a CFPB complaint online. The CFPB generally expects companies to respond within 15 calendar days.
If that first response is not final, the company may take up to 60 calendar days. That structure makes the CFPB one of the most responsive channels for loan disputes.
Federal Trade Commission
The FTC collects fraud reports through its ReportFraud website. The FTC does not usually resolve individual complaints. Instead, reports feed a database that law enforcement agencies use to spot patterns.
That pattern data matters. Repeated reports about the same company can support investigations into deceptive sales.
State-Level Complaint Options
State agencies often provide the most direct leverage against a local installer. Licensing boards can suspend or discipline a contractor’s license. Attorneys general can mediate disputes and investigate repeated misconduct, including deceptive solar pitches.
Every state handles this differently. Some states have a dedicated contractor board, while others license contractors at the city or county level. Check your state attorney general’s website for the correct consumer complaint form.
Utility Commission Complaints
Public utility commissions handle disputes involving the utility, not the installer. Examples include interconnection delays, net metering errors, and billing problems tied to solar credits. A complaint against the installer usually belongs elsewhere.
Complaints Involving Warranty Problems
Warranty problems often need a complaint to both the installer and the equipment manufacturer. The installer typically covers workmanship, while the manufacturer covers panels and inverters. Filing with the wrong party can stall a claim for months.
When both parties deny responsibility, the problem turns into a contested warranty claim. Document every denial in writing, since agencies want to see who refused and why.
Mistakes That Weaken a Solar Company Complaint
Several common mistakes reduce a complaint’s impact. Most are easy to avoid with a little preparation.
- Complaining only by phone: Phone calls leave no reliable record for agencies to review.
- Stopping payments without advice: Missed payments can damage credit and give the company leverage.
- Posting accusations publicly first: Unsupported public claims can create legal risk for the homeowner.
- Missing the arbitration clause: Some contracts require arbitration for legal claims, which affects later options.
- Waiting too long: Legal deadlines keep running while a complaint sits unanswered.
When a Complaint Is Not Enough
A complaint is a pressure tool, and some disputes call for more. Fraud, forged signatures, or large financial losses often need legal action. An experienced consumer attorney can explain whether consumer laws allow damages or attorney fees.
Complaints and legal claims often work together. Agency findings can support a later demand. Homeowners weighing whether to exit the agreement should bring their complaint records to that review.
A Note From Our Team
If you are reading this, you have probably already made the calls and heard the scripted answers. We know how draining that cycle is. When you file a complaint against a solar company, name the exact clause or promise broken.
That is the part we help with at Solar Exit Plan. Our team identifies the terms that matter most for your complaint and explains your realistic options. Every contract is different, so we look at yours on its own terms. You bring the paperwork, and we help you make sense of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a solar company have to respond to a complaint?
Response times depend on the agency. The CFPB expects an initial company response within 15 calendar days. State agencies and licensing boards often take longer, sometimes several months.
Does it cost money to file a complaint against a solar company?
It costs nothing to file a complaint against a solar company with a government agency. Homeowners only pay if they hire an attorney or pursue legal action separately.
Can you file a solar company complaint anonymously?
Most agencies need your name and contact details to investigate a specific dispute. Some fraud reporting systems accept limited information, but anonymous reports rarely resolve individual cases.
Can you complain about a solar company that went out of business?
Homeowners can still file complaints when the installer has closed. The complaint may go to the lender, the new contract holder, or the state contractor licensing board.
Should you file with more than one agency?
Filing with more than one agency is common and often appropriate. Each complaint should match that agency’s role, and each should reference the same evidence file.