The Vivint Solar to Sunrun Merger: What It Means for Your Contract

In October 2020, Sunrun completed its $3.2 billion acquisition of Vivint Solar. For homeowners, this merger created a nightmare of confusion. Your original Vivint Solar contract is now serviced by Sunrun, but the terms, the problems, and the frustrations remain. Many homeowners report that the transition made everything worse — customer service became even more unresponsive, warranty claims went unanswered, and the company that sold you the system no longer exists in any meaningful way.

The legal implications of this merger are significant. When Vivint Solar was absorbed by Sunrun, the acquiring company assumed all contractual obligations. This means Sunrun is legally responsible for every promise Vivint made to you — including verbal promises made by door-to-door salespeople. If those promises were not honored, you may have grounds for cancellation based on breach of contract or fraud.

Top Vivint Solar Complaints in 2026

Based on our analysis of thousands of Vivint Solar complaints filed with the BBB, state attorneys general, and the FTC, these are the most common issues homeowners face in 2026:

• →System underperformance — panels producing 30-50% less energy than promised during the sales pitch
• →Misleading savings claims — salespeople promised monthly savings that never materialized, and many homeowners now pay more than their old electric bill
• →Door-to-door high-pressure sales — salespeople refused to leave, made verbal promises not in the contract, and pressured homeowners into signing same-day
• →Impossible cancellation process — homeowners report being transferred between departments for months with no resolution
• →Roof damage during installation — leaks, structural damage, and improper mounting that Vivint/Sunrun refuses to repair
• →Tax credit misrepresentation — salespeople told homeowners they would receive the federal tax credit, even when the homeowner did not own the system (lease/PPA)
• →Escalator clause shock — annual payment increases of 2.9% that were buried in fine print and never explained during the sales process

Vivint Solar BBB Rating and Complaint Data

Vivint Solar holds a D- rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a pattern of unresolved complaints and poor customer service. The BBB has received over 2,800 complaints against Vivint Solar, with the most common categories being billing/collection issues, problems with the product or service, and sales practice complaints. Many of these complaints remain unresolved or were closed with no satisfactory response from the company.

Legal Grounds for Vivint Solar Contract Cancellation

Our attorneys have identified several strong legal grounds for canceling Vivint Solar contracts. The most effective arguments depend on your specific situation, but these are the most commonly successful:

1. Misrepresentation and Fraud

If your Vivint salesperson made promises about energy savings, system performance, or financial benefits that turned out to be false, you may have a fraud claim. This is the single most common ground for Vivint contract cancellation. Document every verbal promise you remember and compare it against your actual experience. Common misrepresentations include: "Your electric bill will be eliminated," "The system will pay for itself," and "You will receive a $10,000 tax credit."

2. Violation of State Consumer Protection Laws

Every state has consumer protection statutes that prohibit deceptive trade practices. Vivint Solar's door-to-door sales tactics frequently violate these laws. In Texas, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) provides treble damages for proven violations. In California, the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) allows for contract rescission. In Florida, the FDUTPA covers unfair and deceptive acts. Your state likely has similar protections.

3. Cooling-Off Period Violations

The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you 3 business days to cancel any contract signed at your home. Many states extend this period for solar contracts. If Vivint failed to provide you with proper cancellation notices, or if they pressured you into waiving your cooling-off rights, the cancellation window may still be open — even years later.

How to Cancel Your Vivint Solar Contract: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather all documentation — your original contract, any addendums, sales proposals, emails, text messages from your salesperson, utility bills before and after installation, and records of any complaints you have filed.

Step 2: Document system performance — request production data from Sunrun showing actual vs. promised energy output. If the system is underperforming, this is critical evidence.

Step 3: File complaints with your state attorney general, the FTC, and the BBB. These create an official record of your dispute and put regulatory pressure on the company.

Step 4: Contact a consumer protection attorney who specializes in solar contract disputes. Most offer free case reviews and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win.

Step 5: Do not accept a buyout offer without legal review. Sunrun will often offer a "discounted" buyout that is still far more than you should pay. An attorney can negotiate a much better outcome.

Vivint Solar Complaints by State: Where Problems Are Worst

Vivint Solar complaints are concentrated in states with high solar adoption and aggressive door-to-door sales operations. Texas leads the nation in Vivint complaints, followed by California, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. In Texas alone, the state attorney general has received hundreds of complaints about Vivint Solar's sales practices, and multiple lawsuits are pending.

If you are in one of these states, your consumer protection laws may provide additional grounds for cancellation beyond what is available at the federal level. For example, Texas homeowners can pursue claims under the DTPA with potential treble damages, while California homeowners can seek rescission under the CLRA.

What Happens After You Cancel Your Vivint Solar Contract

Successful cancellation typically results in one of three outcomes: (1) The contract is voided entirely and the system is removed at no cost to you; (2) The remaining balance is significantly reduced through negotiation; or (3) The loan or lease is restructured with fair terms. The specific outcome depends on the strength of your legal claims and the willingness of Sunrun to negotiate.

Our attorneys have achieved full contract cancellation for thousands of Vivint Solar homeowners. The process typically takes 30 to 90 days from initial consultation to resolution. During this time, you continue making your regular payments to protect your credit score while the legal process unfolds.