According to 2024 Texas Appleseed report, entitled, Dimming the Benefits of Residential Solar in Texas: How Harmful Market Practices are Undermining the Potential of Residential Rooftop Solar, solar panel-related fraud, scams and consumer harms have increased dramatically between 2018 and 2024. The rate of complaints is similar across a broad swath of the state, covering urban and rural counties alike. These complaints appear to be systemic and are consistent with those identified in other areas of the country. The Federal Trade Commission has seen a 746% increase in solar-related consumer complaints from 2018 to 2023.
Key Findings
The number of consumer complaints related to solar panels that were submitted to the Office of the Texas Attorney General and to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation skyrocketed from 2018 to 2023, increasing by 818% and 576% respectively.
Residents in 141 of the 254 Texas counties submitted solar panel-related complaints to the Office of the Texas Attorney General, indicating that problematic practices are wide-spread.
Among the complaints submitted by Texans, 45% noted problems with false or misleading statements, and 37% mentioned unsatisfactory service.
Many of the harmful practices targeted older Texans and people who are not native English speakers, and included misleading statements that there would be no electric bills after installation of the panels, false promises of government tax credits, and forgeries of signatures or other deceptive practices used to execute financing contracts.
The number of consumer complaints related to solar panels that were submitted to the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) skyrocketed from 2018 to 2023, increasing by 818% and 576%, respectively.
Also, the report’s landing page includes an interactive map of the county-specific data.
Reporting solar panel fraud in Texas
If you believe you’ve been a victim of solar panel fraud in Texas, there are several ways to report the incident and potentially seek recourse:
- Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
- Online:File a complaint online through the Office of the Attorney General website.
- Phone:Call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.
- Mail:Download, fill out, and mail a complaint form to the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, PO Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548.
The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) protects consumers from false, misleading, or deceptive business practices. If a solar company made false promises or engaged in deceptive acts to induce your purchase, you may have a claim under the DTPA. This could include instances where promised savings weren’t realized or the system failed to perform as advertised.
- Texas State Auditor’s Office (SAO)
- Online:Submit a report through the SAO Hotline website.
- Phone:Call the SAO Fraud Hotline at 1-800-TX-AUDIT (1-800-892-8348).
The SAO investigates allegations of illegal acts and improprieties involving state resources and entities receiving state funds.
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- Email:Contact the TDLR Office of Strategic Communication at media.inquiries@tdlr.texas.gov.
While TDLR primarily regulates the installation of solar panels (requiring a Texas Electrical Contractor’s License), they do not regulate sales or financing.
- FBI – TX Solar Panel Victims
- Email:If you have documentation, you can send it to TXSolarPanelVictims@fbi.gov with your first and last name as the email subject.
The FBI can assist victims of crimes like solar panel scams.
- Other options
- Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT):Call 1-888-782-8477 or email consumer@puc.texas.gov to file a complaint.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB):Register a complaint online or by phone.
- Consult an Attorney:Seeking legal counsel is recommended, as they can explain your rights and options under the DTPA and other relevant laws, according to Palker Law Firm.
Key takeaways
- Document everything:Gather all related documents, including contracts, communications, advertisements, and financial records.
- Understand your rights:The Texas DTPA provides strong consumer protections against deceptive business practices.
- Consider legal action:You may be able to pursue claims for fraud, misrepresentation, or breach of contract.
- Report the scam:Reporting not only helps your case but also contributes to broader efforts against deceptive solar companies.
Remember, reporting solar panel fraud is crucial to holding dishonest companies accountable and protecting other consumers.
Source:
https://www.texasappleseed.org/new-report-reveals-financial-damage-stemming-solar-panel-fraud-texas
Related:
In the Texas 89th legislative session, S.B. 1036 was passed requiring solar panel sales companies and individual salespersons to register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), grants TDLR authority to establish standardized contract language, mandate key disclosures: including accurate cost and financing details, at the time of solicitation, prohibit deceptive sales practices, and enforce civil penalties, with enhanced penalties for violations involving victims aged 65 or older.
The bill also guarantees consumers the right to cancel a solar panel sales contract within five business days of signing.
This Act takes effect September 1, 2025, except Sections 1806.101 and 1806.102 and Subchapter E, Chapter 1806, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, take effect September 1, 2026.
Source: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1036
August 13, 2025
