Report Solar Fraud in Arizona: AG, AZ ROC & FTC Guide
Complete guide to reporting solar panel fraud in Arizona. File complaints with the Arizona Attorney General, AZ Registrar of Contractors, FTC, and CFPB. Step-by-step instructions for Arizona homeowners.
How to Report Solar Panel Fraud in Arizona: Complete Agency Guide
If you're an Arizona homeowner who's been scammed by a solar company, reporting the fraud serves two purposes: it creates an official record of your complaint, and it alerts regulators who may already be tracking the company. This guide covers every agency where you should report solar fraud in Arizona.
Where to Report Solar Fraud in Arizona
1. Arizona Attorney General's Office (Primary for Consumer Fraud)
What They Handle: Arizona Consumer Fraud Act violations, deceptive sales practices, false advertising, misrepresentation.
How to File:
- Visit azag.gov
- Click on "Consumer Protection" or "File a Complaint"
- Complete the online complaint form
- Upload supporting documents (contracts, correspondence, photos)
- Phone: 602-542-5763 (Phoenix) or 1-800-352-8431 (statewide)
What to Include:
- Detailed description of what you were told vs. what actually happened
- Names of the solar company, salesperson, and any subcontractors
- Dates of all significant events
- Dollar amounts (what you were told it would cost vs. actual cost)
- Copies of contracts, loan documents, promotional materials
What Happens Next: The AG's office will review your complaint and may contact the company. They may open an investigation if they identify a pattern. They may also refer your case to mediation.
2. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC)
What They Handle: Unlicensed contracting, workmanship violations, bond claims, disciplinary actions.
How to File:
- Visit roc.az.gov
- Click "File a Complaint"
- Complete the complaint form with contractor details
- Attach evidence (contracts, photos of poor workmanship, inspection reports)
- Phone: 1-877-MY-AZROC (692-9762)
What to Include:
- Contractor's AZ ROC license number (if known)
- Description of the work performed and problems
- Dates and timeline
- Photos of installation issues or damage
- Any inspection reports from city/county or independent inspectors
What Happens Next: The AZ ROC will investigate and may issue citations, require corrective work, or suspend/revoke licenses. They may also refer you to the Recovery Fund if you meet the criteria.
3. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
How to File:
- Visit bbb.org
- Search for the solar company's name
- Click "File a Complaint"
- Describe the issue factually
BBB complaints are public and companies are given a chance to respond. While BBB has no enforcement power, their records are widely viewed by consumers researching companies.
4. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
How to File: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The FTC collects national fraud data. While they typically don't resolve individual cases, your complaint helps them identify widespread patterns and can lead to federal enforcement actions.
5. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
How to File: Visit consumerfinance.gov/complaint
If your issue involves solar financing (predatory loans, undisclosed terms, unauthorized credit checks), the CFPB is the appropriate federal agency. They forward complaints to lenders and require responses.
6. Your Utility Company (APS, SRP, TEP)
If a solar salesperson claimed to represent or partner with your utility, report it:
- APS (Arizona Public Service): aps.com — customer service
- SRP (Salt River Project): srpnet.com — customer service
- TEP (Tucson Electric Power): tep.com — customer service
Utilities track these false claims and may issue warnings or take action against companies misusing their name.
Before You Report: Gather Your Documentation
A well-documented complaint gets better results. Before filing, compile:
| Document Type | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Contracts | Full solar purchase/lease agreement, all pages |
| Financing documents | Loan agreement, truth-in-lending disclosure, payment history |
| Promotional materials | Brochures, flyers, screenshots of the company's website claims |
| Correspondence | Emails, text messages, notes from phone calls (with dates) |
| Photos/Videos | Installation quality, damage, non-functioning equipment |
| Utility bills | Several months before and after installation |
| Payment records | Bank statements, loan payment receipts |
| Inspection reports | Any city/county inspection results or failed inspection notices |
Sample Complaint Timeline
A typical Arizona solar fraud complaint process:
- File complaint with AZ AG — 1-2 weeks for acknowledgment
- File complaint with AZ ROC — 2-4 weeks for initial review
- File complaint with BBB — 2-4 weeks for company response
- File complaint with FTC — No individual resolution, but contributes to enforcement data
- Contact an attorney — Free consultation to evaluate legal options (remember the 1-year CFA deadline)
What If the Company Filed for Bankruptcy?
If the solar company has gone bankrupt, you should still file complaints with all agencies. Additionally:
- File a proof of claim in the bankruptcy case
- Contact the financing company directly — you may have defenses under the FTC Holder Rule
- Check if the company's AZ ROC license is still valid (bankruptcy may trigger automatic suspension)
Arizona's AZ ROC Recovery Fund may still apply if the contractor was licensed at the time of work, even if they later filed bankruptcy.
Arizona Agency Quick Reference
| Agency | Website | Phone | What to Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ Attorney General | azag.gov | 602-542-5763 | Consumer fraud, CFA violations |
| AZ Registrar of Contractors | roc.az.gov | 1-877-MY-AZROC | Contractor violations, unlicensed work |
| BBB | bbb.org | — | Business complaints, mediation |
| FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov | — | Interstate fraud |
| CFPB | consumerfinance.gov/complaint | 855-411-2372 | Financing complaints |
FAQ
Which agency should I report to first?
The Arizona Attorney General is the primary agency for consumer fraud. File there first, then the AZ ROC for contractor-specific issues. Federal agencies (FTC, CFPB) should also be notified.
How long does the complaint process take?
Administrative complaints typically take 2-6 months for investigation and resolution. Legal action through the courts may take longer.
Will filing a complaint get my money back?
An administrative complaint alone rarely results in monetary recovery. However, complaints create official records that strengthen any legal case you pursue, and agency investigations can pressure companies to settle.
Can I file complaints anonymously?
Most agencies accept complaints with your information. Anonymous complaints may not receive the same level of investigation. Your contact information is typically used for follow-up only.
What if the company is based outside Arizona but did work here?
The Arizona AG and AZ ROC generally have jurisdiction if the work was performed in Arizona or the homeowner is an Arizona resident. File with Arizona agencies regardless of where the company is based.
Related Reading:
- Arizona Solar Fraud Guide
- Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and Solar
- Arizona Solar Contractor Verification
- How to Report Solar Panel Fraud (National Guide)
Reporting fraud is free, creates an official record, and helps protect other Arizona homeowners. The 1-year CFA deadline is ticking — don't wait.