Solar panel scams: your options
The FTC’s warning signs, a ten-minute check, and what to do if you already signed.
Written by HyreSolar Research Desk Primary-source research; not legal or financial advice
The short answer
If you suspect a solar panel scam, your options are to walk away before signing, cancel within the cooling-off window if you signed at home, or report and complain if you are past it.
The FTC’s August 2024 alert says these scams usually “start with an unexpected phone call, message on social, or even an in-person visit”, often from someone claiming to be with the government or your utility.
Two rules from that alert settle most cases: treat “free” or “no cost” solar as a scam, and anyone who “pressures you into a contract or demands up-front or immediate payment is a scammer.”
Warning signs, from the FTC
- Unsolicited contact claiming government or utility backing
Often offering an “energy audit”. The federal government does not install solar on homes for free.
- “Free” or “no cost” panels, or very large rebates
Leases, PPAs and zero-down loans are not free; see zero down solar.
- “Your utility already signed you up”
A claim that you owe money for something you never agreed to.
- Pressure to sign today, often on a tablet
Without being shown the full agreement.
- Payment by gift card, wire, payment app or crypto
- Requests for personal details “to see if you qualify”
Can be lead harvesting or identity theft.
Check your contract first: a ten-minute offer check
- 1Ask for the cash price
The CFPB’s advice for solar loans: the dealer fee hides in the principal, and the cash price exposes it.
- 2Look up the company’s license
Search your state board for the exact legal name on the contract.
- 3Read the full contract before any signature
Escalator, term, cancellation terms, who owns the system.
- 4Check any tax-credit claim
The 30% residential credit (25D) ended for expenditures after December 31, 2025. A 2026 pitch that promises it is wrong.
- 5Get two other quotes
A price far above comparable quotes is its own warning.
If you already signed
Within three business days of a home sale: cancel in writing under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule. See cancelling before installation.
After that: report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general, and to the CFPB if a loan is involved. Regulators do act: the FTC and Arizona sued Vision Solar and others over deceptive solar sales. Options after installation are on cancelling after installation.
When to get help
If personal or bank details were handed over, contact your bank and see IdentityTheft.gov. If a loan was opened in your name without consent, dispute it with the lender and the credit bureaus and file with the CFPB.
When you are ready
Ready to explore solar for your home?
If you have done your research and want to speak with a solar professional, HyreSolar can help you explore available options.
Free, with no obligation: a person at HyreSolar reads your request and gets back to you about it. Matching with solar professionals is not live yet, so this is not a quote, and nothing is shared with anyone until you agree.
Keep learningQuestions
Are free solar panels a scam?
Is there a government program that pays for solar panels?
Where do I report a solar scam?
Sources and retrieval dates
- FTC consumer alert, How to avoid getting burned by solar or clean energy scams , 7 August 2024 Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- FTC, ReportFraud Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- FTC and State of Arizona v. Vision Solar LLC et al. Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- 16 CFR Part 429, FTC Cooling-Off Rule , three business days, notice and refund duties Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- CFPB, Issue Spotlight: Solar Financing , published 7 August 2024: dealer fees, re-amortization at month 19, PPA escalators of 1 to 5% Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- CFPB, submit a complaint Retrieved 22 October 2026.
This page explains how solar contracts and consumer rules usually work and links the documents it relies on.
It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice; your own contract and your state’s law decide your case.
For a dispute, speak to a lawyer licensed in your state or your state attorney general’s consumer office. HyreSolar does not install, finance, lease or sell solar.