The SunRun Lease Problem
SunRun is one of the largest residential solar companies in the United States, with millions of customers locked into 20-25 year lease agreements. While solar energy can provide real savings, many homeowners discover that their SunRun lease isn't delivering the promised benefits.
Common complaints include escalating monthly payments that weren't clearly explained, savings that never materialized, and difficulty selling homes with solar liens attached.
Key Statistic:
Over 820,000 homeowners are currently stranded with solar contracts from companies that have gone bankrupt or failed to deliver on promises. SunRun customers represent a significant portion of solar contract disputes nationwide.
Legal Grounds for Canceling a SunRun Lease
You may have legal grounds to cancel your SunRun lease if any of the following apply to your situation:
Step-by-Step Cancellation Process
Here's the process our attorneys follow to help homeowners exit their SunRun leases:
Document Everything
Gather your original contract, all communications with SunRun, utility bills before and after installation, and any marketing materials you received.
Review Your Contract
Look for escalator clauses, performance guarantees, and any terms that differ from what you were promised verbally during the sales process.
Identify Violations
Common violations include misrepresentation of savings, failure to honor cooling-off periods, undisclosed fees, and violations of state-specific solar laws.
Consult an Attorney
A consumer protection attorney can review your case, identify legal leverage points, and negotiate with SunRun on your behalf.
Formal Legal Action
If negotiation fails, your attorney can file complaints with state agencies or pursue litigation to enforce your consumer rights.
Consumer Protection Laws That May Help
Several federal and state laws protect homeowners from predatory solar contracts:
- FTC Cooling-Off Rule: Provides a 3-day right to cancel contracts signed at your home or away from the seller's normal place of business.
- State Consumer Protection Acts: Most states have laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive trade practices, which may apply to misleading solar sales.
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of financing terms, which solar companies sometimes violate.
- State-Specific Solar Laws: California, Texas, Florida, and other states have specific regulations governing solar sales and contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my SunRun solar lease?
Yes, you may be able to cancel your SunRun solar lease if the contract contains violations of consumer protection laws, if you were misled about savings or terms, or if SunRun breached the agreement. Many homeowners have successfully exited their SunRun leases through legal action.
How much does it cost to get out of a SunRun lease?
The cost to exit a SunRun lease varies. SunRun typically quotes a buyout amount equal to remaining payments. However, if your contract contains legal violations, you may be able to exit without paying the full buyout. Our attorneys work on contingency for qualifying cases.
What are valid reasons to cancel a SunRun lease?
Valid legal grounds include: misleading sales promises about savings, failure to disclose escalator clauses, pressure sales tactics that violated cooling-off periods, misrepresentation of system performance, undisclosed liens on your property, or violations of state consumer protection laws.
How long does it take to cancel a SunRun lease?
The timeline varies based on your specific situation. Simple cases may resolve in 2-3 months, while complex cases involving litigation can take 6-12 months. Our attorneys will provide a realistic timeline during your free consultation.
Will canceling my SunRun lease affect my credit?
If you cancel through proper legal channels based on contract violations, it should not negatively impact your credit. However, simply stopping payments without legal representation can result in collections and credit damage. That's why working with an attorney is important.