Case patterns
Three patterns
we see most.
If your situation reads like one of these, our partner attorneys will know what to do with it. These are common solar-contract complaint patterns, not summaries of specific clients.
PATTERN 01
PPA / production shortfall
"My power bill went up after the panels were installed."
Homeowner signs a 20 to 25 year PPA on a verbal promise of net-zero or sharply reduced bills. Production falls well below contract projection. The installer blames shading, the weather, or roof orientation, even when those conditions existed at signing.
How partner attorneys approach it: misrepresentation and consumer-protection claims against the installer, paired with a renegotiation or rescission demand on the PPA itself. Whether the agreement is voidable depends on the state and the wording of the production guarantee.
PATTERN 02
Loan / tax-credit misrepresentation
"They told me the tax credit would cover most of the cost."
Retired homeowner on a fixed income, no federal tax liability. Sold a solar loan with a balloon payment timed to an assumed Investment Tax Credit refund. The refund never lands because the homeowner never qualified for it. The salesperson either knew or should have known.
How partner attorneys approach it: unfair-and-deceptive-practices claims against the dealer, demand to the lender to restructure the loan to remove the balloon, and where applicable a complaint to the state attorney general or licensing board.
PATTERN 03
Installer bankruptcy / orphaned system
"The installer is out of business. The loan is still due."
Installer files Chapter 7 mid-installation, or shortly after. Permit never closes, system is non-operational or incomplete. The lender continues billing the homeowner for the full loan as if the installation were finished and energized.
How partner attorneys approach it: failure-of-consideration argument against the lender, demand for rescission or principal reduction, and direct coordination with the local building department to close out or reissue the permit.
