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Worst Solar Companies 2026 | Most Complaints & Lawsuits | Solar Freedom

The worst solar companies in 2026 ranked by BBB complaints, lawsuits, and homeowner reports. Sunrun, SunPower, Freedom Forever, GoodLeap, Sunnova — who has the...

Industry Research

Not all solar companies are created equal. Some have thousands of unresolved BBB complaints, active class action lawsuits, and a trail of homeowners trapped in bad contracts. Here are the worst offenders in 2026.

The residential solar industry has a serious consumer protection problem. Between 2019 and 2024, the industry grew explosively — and so did the complaints. Door-to-door sales teams with minimal training, commission structures that rewarded closing over accuracy, and complex financing products that most homeowners did not fully understand created the conditions for widespread consumer harm.

This ranking is based on BBB complaint volume, state attorney general actions, class action lawsuits, and homeowner reports. It is not a comprehensive review of every solar company — it focuses specifically on the companies generating the most documented consumer harm.

1. Sunrun — Most Complaints of Any Residential Solar Company

Sunrun is the largest residential solar company in the US and consistently generates the most consumer complaints. Common issues include undisclosed escalator clauses (2.9%/year payment increases), "zero electric bill" promises that never materialized, and production shortfalls of 20–40% below projections.

4,200+

BBB Complaints (2022–2025)

2.9%

Annual escalator buried in standard lease

20–40%

Typical production shortfall reported by homeowners

2. SunPower — Bankruptcy and Abandoned Homeowners

SunPower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024, leaving thousands of homeowners without service, warranty support, or a clear path forward. The company's aggressive sales tactics and complex financing structures were already generating significant complaints before the bankruptcy.

3. Freedom Forever — Dealer Fee Complaints and Subcontractor Issues

Freedom Forever has generated significant complaints related to dealer fees of 20–30% built into loan balances, subcontractor installation quality issues, and aggressive sales tactics. The company operates through a dealer network, which creates accountability gaps when problems arise.

4. GoodLeap (Loanpal) — Dealer Fee Transparency Issues

GoodLeap is a lender, not an installer — but its dealer fee structure (20–40% of loan amount paid to installers) has generated significant consumer complaints. Homeowners discover after the fact that they borrowed $40,000 for a system worth $25,000, with the difference going to the installer as an undisclosed fee.

5. Sunnova — Bankruptcy and Contract Transfers

Sunnova filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025, and its contracts were transferred to SunStrong Management. Homeowners are now dealing with a new servicer, uncertain warranty coverage, and the same underlying contract terms that generated complaints before the bankruptcy.

6. Vivint Solar (now NRG Clean Power) — High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Vivint Solar was acquired by NRG Energy but continues to generate complaints related to its legacy contracts. Door-to-door sales tactics, undisclosed escalator clauses, and "rate lock" promises that do not exist in any solar contract are among the most common complaints.

What to Do If Your Company Is on This List

If your solar company appears on this list, it does not automatically mean you have grounds for cancellation — but it does mean your situation is worth reviewing. The companies on this list have documented patterns of the specific misrepresentations that support legal cancellation claims.

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