A man reviewing documents in an open folder

When a lawyer helps most

  • The amount you owe is large, or the payment is about to jump.
  • You believe you were misled, or your loan application was changed without your knowledge.
  • The installer is out of business and the lender says you still owe everything.
  • A filing on your property record is blocking a sale or refinance.
  • You are being sent to collections or threatened with legal action.

What kind of lawyer

Look for an attorney licensed in your state who handles consumer protection, consumer finance, or fraud cases. Experience with solar contracts and lenders is a strong plus. Your state bar association runs a lawyer referral service.

Were you misled about your solar?

Tell us what happened. It takes about two minutes, and you decide what happens next.

See my options

How solar lawyers are usually paid

  • Contingency. A share of any recovery, with nothing owed if there is no recovery. Ask what costs you could still owe.
  • Hourly or flat fee. Common for document review or a single negotiation.
  • Fee-shifting. Some consumer protection laws let a winning homeowner recover attorney fees from the company. Ask whether that applies.

Get the fee agreement in writing before work starts.

Questions to ask first

  1. How many solar cases have you handled, and how did they usually end?
  2. Who will work on my case day to day?
  3. What will this cost me, including if we lose?
  4. What should I do or not do in the meantime, including about payments?
  5. How long do cases like mine usually take?

Red flags in solar exit services

Be careful with any company that guarantees you will get out, demands a large fee before doing any work, tells you to stop paying without explaining the risks, or will not put its fees and services in writing. Ask whether a licensed attorney will review your case and in which state. Check the company with your state attorney general.

Common questions

Is a solar exit company the same as a lawyer?

No. Some work with attorneys, and some do not. Only a licensed attorney can give you legal advice or represent you in court.

Can I handle it myself?

Often, for cancellations inside the window and for complaints. Larger disputes usually go better with professional help.

Is there free legal help?

Legal aid organizations help some homeowners with limited income. Your state bar can point you to them.

Sources

  1. American Bar Association: Lawyer referral directory. Find a state or local referral service
  2. LawHelp.org: Free legal aid. Legal aid by state
  3. FTC: Solar power for your home. Consumer guidance on solar decisions

General information, not legal advice.

This guide can’t tell you whether a right applies to your agreement. For that, talk with a licensed attorney in your state.