Ghosted by Your Solar Company? Here's Your 10-Day Action Plan

If your solar installer vanished after installation, don't panic. This day-by-day action plan will help you secure records, push for system activation, and escalate complaints to protect your investment.

Essential Resource: Download our FREE Guide to Solar Panel Fraud for comprehensive protection strategies.

Why Solar Companies Ghost Customers

Unfortunately, disappearing after installation has become increasingly common in the solar industry. Common reasons include:

Financial troubles - company running out of cash
Overwhelmed by complaints - avoiding angry customers
Licensing issues - regulatory problems forcing closure
Fraudulent operations - never intended to provide ongoing support

The key: Acting quickly to protect yourself and your investment.

Day 1–2: Secure Your Records

Digital Documentation

Download contracts, loan agreements, permits, inspections, PTO letters
Save all emails and texts - list missed appointments and who said what
Screenshot the monitoring app (or inverter screen) to document no/low production
Export warranty information and registration details

Physical Documentation

Photograph roof penetrations, flashing, wiring and any damage or leaks
Document system nameplate information (panels, inverters, model numbers)
Take pictures of electrical panels and disconnect switches
Record system performance data if accessible

Pro Tip: Create a dedicated folder (digital and physical) for all solar-related documents. You'll need these for complaints, insurance claims, and potential legal action.

Day 3: Demand Status—In Writing

Send a Formal Demand Letter

Send a concise email to the installer and lender with:

Your project address, contract number, install date
Outstanding items (e.g., failed inspection, no PTO, roof leak, inverter fault)
A deadline (5 business days) for response and a site visit
Request permit numbers, inspection results, and warranty registrations

Sample Email Template

Subject: URGENT - Project Completion Required [Your Address]

Dear [Company Name],

Project Details:
- Address: [Your Address]  
- Contract #: [Number]
- Install Date: [Date]

Outstanding Issues:
1. [List specific problems]
2. [System not producing power]
3. [Failed inspections]
4. [Roof leaks/damage]

I require a written response within 5 business days with:
- Status update on permit/inspection completion
- Schedule for system activation and repairs
- Warranty registration confirmation

Failure to respond will result in formal complaints to regulatory agencies.

[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

Day 4: Call Your Utility & AHJ (City/County)

Utility Company Contact

Confirm whether interconnection was submitted and what's missing
Get status of Permission to Operate (PTO) application
Ask about any failed inspections or required corrections
Request reference numbers for your records

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Check permit status and inspection results
Get copies of failed inspection reports
Understand correction requirements
Confirm who can perform remedial work

Day 5: Notify the Lender/Servicer

If You're Being Billed While System Can't Operate

Ask about:

Project non-completion procedures
Installation defects policies
Options to pause or dispute payments pending completion
Where to send proof (photos, failed inspection notes)

Document Everything

Get representative names and employee IDs
Request written confirmation of any payment adjustments
Save all correspondence for future reference

Important: Even if payments are paused, continue documenting issues. Understanding your financing terms is crucial during disputes.

Day 6: File Formal Complaints

State Level

State Attorney General (consumer protection)
Licensing agency (e.g., state licensing board nationwide for solar-sales violations)
Public Utilities Commission for interconnection issues

Federal Level

FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)
CFPB (consumerfinance.gov) for loan/servicer issues

Local Resources

Local consumer affairs office
Better Business Bureau
City/county business licensing department

These filings build a paper trail and may prompt a response.

Day 7–8: Get a Second-Opinion Inspection

Hire a Qualified Professional

Find a qualified PV professional or master electrician to:

Evaluate code compliance, wiring, grounding, rapid shutdown
Assess roof penetrations and weatherproofing
Check system performance and monitoring
Provide a written report with photos and remediation estimate

What to Look For

Electrical code violations
Improper roof mounting
Missing safety equipment
Poor workmanship
System design flaws

Share this report with the installer, lender, and (if needed) your insurance company.

Day 9: Review Dispute Clauses

Understanding Your Contract

Most contracts have mediation/arbitration steps. Important: This doesn't erase your rights; it sets the forum.

Key Points to Note

Notice requirements for disputes
Deadlines for filing claims
Arbitration vs. court procedures
Preservation of rights requirements

Don't Let Arbitration Clauses Intimidate You

You can still file regulatory complaints
Consumer protection laws may override arbitration
Arbitration can be faster and less expensive than court

Day 10: Talk to a Consumer-Protection Lawyer

How an Attorney Can Help

Send a demand letter (often required before suit)
Pursue deceptive practices claims
Navigate warranty and contract violations
Coordinate with regulators
Handle arbitration or litigation

What to Bring

Complete timeline of events
Inspection report from Day 7-8
Photos and documentation from Day 1-2
All correspondence with company and lenders

Red Flags: If you spotted warning signs before installation, review our guide on 7 red flags to watch for to strengthen your case.

Beyond Day 10: Long-Term Actions

If the Company Remains Unresponsive

Consider hiring another contractor for repairs
Document all additional costs for potential recovery
Keep pursuing complaints and legal action
Protect your credit if loan payments are affected

Insurance Considerations

Notify your homeowner's insurance of any roof damage
Understand coverage for incomplete installations
Document property damage thoroughly

Warranty Transfers

Contact manufacturers directly for equipment warranties
Register warranties in your name if not done
Understand transferability if selling your home

Know Your Rights

Under state law

homeowners across the US have strong protections under consumer protection statutes:

Right to contract performance
Protection from deceptive practices
Right to damages for breaches
Attorney fee recovery in many cases

Federal Protections

Truth in Lending Act protections for financing
FTC Act protections against deceptive practices
Solar Investment Tax Credit preservation rights

Prevention for Others

Warning Signs to Share

Help others avoid your situation by sharing these red flags:

Pressure to sign quickly
Lack of local references
Poor Better Business Bureau ratings
No established local presence
Unusually low pricing

Take Action Now

Don't let a disappearing solar company cost you thousands of dollars. Quick action can protect your investment and help you recover damages.

our team specializes in helping homeowners abandoned by solar companies. Our experienced team has successfully recovered damages for hundreds of clients and can guide you through this process.

Get Your Free Case Review →

our team personally reviews solar abandonment cases and can help you understand your options.

Disclaimer: General information only, not legal advice. Laws, deadlines, and procedures vary by jurisdiction.

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