Home Blog Solar Panel Fraud: Types, Reporting, Prevention, Legal Help

Solar Panel Fraud: Types, Reporting, Prevention, Legal Help

This page explains solar panel fraud, its different types, how to report and prevent it, and when to consult with a lawyer from ContractsCounsel.

Jump to Section

Solar panel fraud involves companies or installers trying to manipulate you out of your hard-earned money. Sometimes, the fraud can involve the actual solar panels, such as if an installer pretends that they’re installing high-quality panels but they’re not legitimate products.

Read the rest of this article to learn how to deal with solar panel fraud, how to identify red flags, and what to do to protect yourself against financial losses. We’ll also explore why you should hire a lawyer to help you deal with the fraud and how they can help you receive compensation for your stolen money.

What are Common Types of Solar Panel Fraud?

Solar panel fraud can arise in various ways. Some of the most common types include the following:

  • “Free” solar panels. While the installer might tell you that the solar panels are free, they will add additional costs to make you end up paying a high amount for them.
  • Inaccurate installment of panels. The installer doesn’t correctly install the panels on your roof, causing damage to your home or resulting in solar panels that aren’t effective.
  • Incomplete panel installation. The installer won’t finish the installation, leaving you with a financial burden but stealing your money.
  • Selling used solar panels. Although they promise to be installing new panels, this is not the case.
  • Hidden or surprise panel-installation costs. It’s common for fraudsters to make you believe you won’t have to pay any additional costs, until they install the solar panels. That’s when they might dump you with mounting structure costs.

What Can You Do to Fight Solar Panel Fraud?

If you find yourself dealing with solar panel fraud, you should take some important steps.

Report the Fraud

You can file a complaint against the company or installer with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). They will investigate the fraud.

Be sure to include information about the fraud, such as by taking photos of the defective solar panels or the incorrect solar panel installation. Describe the issue in detail to make it easier for them to investigate.

Direct Concerns to the Company

If you have company details of the installer, you should get in touch to report them. In some cases, the solar panel installer could be fraudulent, not the company.

If you and the installer have been in contact because they don’t suspect you of knowing what they’re doing, you should send them a written notice of the issue. Include details of what has happened. They might respond and want to rectify the situation.

Your lawyer can also send a demand letter, notifying the fraudster of the issue and telling them that they have to make amends.

Review Your Contracts

It’s essential to refer to the project contract so that you can spot any red flags or inconsistencies. However, you should get the agreement legally reviewed because a lawyer will notice terms and clauses that you might miss. They can also review the document to strengthen your case.

Post a project for contract review on ContractsCounsel, an online legal network connecting clients with vetted lawyers. You can post the request for free and you’ll receive multiple lawyer bids from which to choose a lawyer to work with. You can select a lawyer based on factors such as their years of experience, credentials, and client reviews.

Verify the Company

It can help you when reporting the solar panel fraud to verify the installer. Check their licenses and certifications. If you request them directly from the installer and they aren’t provided, this is a red flag.

Reputable installers should have certifications from organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

How Can You Prevent Solar Panel Fraud?

To prevent future solar panel issues and fraud, there are some things you can do.

Be Careful About Solar Panel Deals

Although it might seem appealing to save money on solar panels, you should research all deals carefully to avoid falling into the trap of losing money.

Check that the Panels are Brand New

To avoid being scammed by installers fitting used or defective panels, you should ask for documentation that new solar panels will have, such as warranties and certifications. This will ensure you’re getting a quality product.

Don’t Pay Installers Upfront

It’s a red flag if a solar panel installer expects you to pay upfront for the project. They might be trying to grab your money and disappear. Avoid paying a large or cash deposit, as this can also be a warning sign of fraud.

Avoid Door-to-Door Solar Panel Installers

Some fraudsters are opportunistic. They’ll surprise you by arriving at your door and offering their services. They might make their solar panel installation seem appealing, such as by offering low prices.

How Can a Lawyer Help You With Solar Panel Fraud?

It can be challenging to navigate solar panel fraud, especially if you don’t have much information about the fraudster.

Your lawyer will assist you from the start of your solar panel fraud case, all the way to the end. They’ll provide you with the following:

  • Filing your report with the relevant authorities.
  • Gathering evidence of the solar panel fraud to strengthen your claim.
  • Reviewing contractor contracts for any vague clauses and to help determine your rights under the agreement.
  • Seeking restitution on your behalf. You might be able to gain compensation for money you’ve lost. Your lawyer will help you pursue these claims.
  • Investigating the solar panel installer.
  • Sending professionally-drafted demand letters.
  • Negotiating fraudulent contracts to cancel them or gain refunds from the solar panel company.
  • Conduct class action lawsuits, if required. If many people have been manipulated by the company, your lawyer could pursue a class-action lawsuit. This can increase the chance of a successful outcome for all victims targeted by the scam.

Do you need a solar panel fraud lawyer?

Contact a lawyer on ContractsCounsel. A lawyer will investigate your solar panel fraud case, explore your options for gaining compensation, and protect you against further losses.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,585 reviews

Meet some of our Lawyers

Moss S. on ContractsCounsel
View Moss
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
November 17, 2021

Moss S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Boca Raton, FL
38 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, MA, RI
Suffolk Law School

Over 30 years of experience practicing commercial real estate and complex business litigation law.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Moss S was responsive and attentive to my needs and completed the task ahead of time and within budget"

Chia-Fen Y. on ContractsCounsel
View Chia-Fen
4.9 (3)
Member Since:
November 16, 2021

Chia-Fen Y.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Fullerton, CA
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of California, Davis

Attorney Yu represents clients in business and real estate transactions and has successfully handled more than 200 cases. She has experience in corporate law, including forming legal entities, employment law and workers’ compensation law matters pertaining to wage and hour violations, industrial injuries, misclassifications, and other employment-related torts and contracts. Attorney Yu works with employers to address employee relationship issues, develop effective policies and craft employment agreements. Attorney Yu regularly advises clients on the legal and business aspects of potential investments, ongoing business operations, debt collections, shareholders and partners disputes, business purchase agreements, risk assessment, intellectual property disputes, and potential contract disputes. She regularly handles real estate law matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, lease agreements, buy-sell disputes, title disputes, and construction disputes. She also has substantial experience settling debts, and she drafts, reviews and negotiates settlement agreements. Attorney Yu conducts extensive legal research and provides on-point legal advice to both corporate and individual clients.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Quick and easy to work with. Was patient with me and answered all my questions."

Ramanathan C. on ContractsCounsel
View Ramanathan
4.8 (81)
Member Since:
January 20, 2022

Ramanathan C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
London School of Economics and Political Science

Triple Qualified New York Attorney, Australian Lawyer & Enrolled NZ Barrister & Solicitor

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Rama was timely and responsive to all my needs & questions. From day one, he presented a tailored proposal for my project that felt personalized and thoughtful. He is pleasant to work with and professional with his legal advice. I'd be happy to work with him again."

Daehoon P. on ContractsCounsel
View Daehoon
4.8 (233)
Member Since:
November 26, 2021

Daehoon P.

Corporate & M&A | Venture Capital, Private Equity & Web3 Counsel | Real Estate Transactions
Free Consultation
New York, NY
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
American University Washington College of Law

Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Working with Daehoon was a wonderful experience! As someone establishing a new audiobook narration business, I wanted to be confident that my contracts were carefully written and addressed the unique needs of my work, particularly the important issue of AI voice protection. Daehoon was patient, professional, and attentive to my questions and concerns. I especially appreciated his willingness to work through revisions with me and make sure the final documents reflected what I needed. Throughout the process, I felt that he genuinely cared about doing a good job. His attention to detail and thoughtful approach gave me confidence and peace of mind as I move forward with my business. I’m very grateful for his help and would happily work with him again. Thank you, Daehoon!"

Josiah Y. on ContractsCounsel
View Josiah
Member Since:
November 10, 2021

Josiah Y.

Managing Shareholder of The Law Office of Josiah Young, PC
Free Consultation
Sacramento, California
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, NY
American University Washington College of Law

Attorney licensed to practice in both California and New York, Josiah is focused on helping people understand what's in their contracts, and do business with confidence.

Natalie A. on ContractsCounsel
View Natalie
Member Since:
November 13, 2021

Natalie A.

Commercial Counsel
Free Consultation
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AK
Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec - LLB Civil Law

I am an experienced in house counsel and have worked in the pharmaceutical, consumer goods and restaurant industry. I have experience with a variety of agreements, below is a non-exhaustive list of types of agreements I can help with: Supply Agreements Distribution Agreements Manufacture Agreements Service Agreements Employment Agreements Consulting Agreements Commercial and residential lease agreements Non-compete Agreements Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements Demand Letters Termination notice Notice of breach of contract My experience as in house counsel has exposed me to a wide variety of commercial matters for which I can provide consulting and assistance on. I have advised US, Canadian and International entities on cross-functional matters and have guided them when they are in different countries and jurisdictions as their counterparties. I can provide assistance early on in a business discussion to help guide you and make sure you ask the right questions even before the commercial agreement needs to be negotiated, but if you are ready to put a contract in place I can most definitely help with that too.

Jeff C. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeff
Member Since:
November 16, 2021

Jeff C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Denver, Colorado
40 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO
Creighton University

Jeff Colerick has been practicing law for over 30 years and has devoted his professional career to providing clients with intelligent representation and personal care. His experience as a lawyer involving complex matters has resulted in a long history of success. Jeff has built a practice based on a deep understanding of real estate assets and corporate activities. He combines his industry knowledge with a practical and collaborative approach to problem solving. Jeff’s client relationships are strong because they are built on mutual respect. Jeff talks the language of real estate and understands that it is a vehicle to deliver your business strategy. Jeff provides practical, responsive, and strategic advice related to real estate acquisition, construction, leasing, and sale of a wide range of real property types, including office, retail, medical, industrial, industrial flex-space, mixed-use condominium, multifamily and hospitality. As leader of the Goodspeed Merrill real estate practice group, Jeff represents clients with commercial and residential transactions, purchases and sales, land acquisition and development, real estate investment and financing, financing liens and security interests, and commercial leasing and lease maintenance, including lease enforcement support and advice. The firm represents clients in matters concerning construction, lending, developers, contractors and subcontractors, cell site leasing, property and boundary disputes, common interest community law, and residential condominiums and planned communities.

Harrison K. on ContractsCounsel
View Harrison
Member Since:
November 17, 2021

Harrison K.

Attorney and Executive
Free Consultation
Los Angeles
31 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, MD
California Western School of Law

Harrison Kordestani is an executive with over twenty-five years experience in entertainment and media, energy, technologies, and start-ups. Mr. Kordestani has also developed a specialized legal and strategic consulting practice representing select entertainment, oil and gas, mortgage lending, and technology start-up clientele. He is also deeply passionate about new technologies and has also actively worked in building companies in the video-on-demand, wearable tech, information of things, demand prediction and app-marketing spaces. As an attorney, Mr. Kordestani's focus has been on transactional drafting and negotiation and providing ongoing legal counsel, corporate compliance, and contract interpretation to numerous private individuals as well as companies in varied fields.

Abraham W. on ContractsCounsel
View Abraham
Member Since:
November 18, 2021

Abraham W.

Owner
Free Consultation
Nashville, TN
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY, TN
Harvard Law School

Abraham's practice focuses on counseling emerging group companies in the technology and other commercial agreements, and assisting equity financings (specifically venture capital).

Dave Y. on ContractsCounsel
View Dave
Member Since:
November 22, 2021

Dave Y.

CO
Free Consultation
Colorado Springs
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO
University of Denver

I am available for data privacy and cybersecurity projects. I am CIPP/US certified through the IAPP. I have also taken coursework focused on the GDPR through the London School of Economics. In my past career I was an intelligence officer. I am well acquainted with information security best practices and I have experience developing and implementing administrative controls for classified information and PII. I have worked extensively overseas and I am comfortable integrating with remote teams. Feel free to reach out any time if you have any additional questions on my areas of expertise or professional background.

Peter W. Y. on ContractsCounsel
View Peter W.
Member Since:
January 24, 2022

Peter W. Y.

Member
Free Consultation
Virtual
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CT, NY, PA
Haub School of Law at Pace University

Perceptive, solution-driven counselor and experienced attorney. Record of successful verdicts, settlements, negotiations, arbitrations, mediations, and deals. Effective claims management, litigation strategy, and risk consulting. Proven ability to oversee litigation teams, communicate to stakeholders, manage multiple projects effectively, and expand business relationships. Extensive experience handling legal issues in engineering and construction, environmental litigation, corporate and contractual, and insurance issues.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,585 reviews
CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Solar Panel Lawyers
SOLAR PANEL FRAUD LAWYERS BY CITY
See All Solar Panel Fraud Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 24,585 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city