Massachusetts Homeowners Report Misleading Solar Sales and Contract Confusion

When the Savings Don’t Match the Pitch

Several Massachusetts homeowners came forward alleging that a residential solar company misrepresented projected savings and financing terms during the sales process.

According to GBH News, customers described being told their electric bills would drop significantly — in some cases, that solar would “replace” their utility payments entirely.

After installation, however, some homeowners reported:

Continued high electric bills
Additional loan payments
Savings that did not align with projections
Contract terms they say were not fully explained

While the company disputed certain claims, the reporting highlighted recurring themes of confusion and unmet expectations.

The Sales Process Under Scrutiny

Residential solar is frequently sold through in-home presentations or door-to-door outreach.

Homeowners reported that:

Savings models were presented confidently.
Federal tax credits were incorporated into financial projections.
Long-term loan costs were not always emphasized.
Escalator clauses were not fully explained.

In many cases, contracts were signed during or shortly after sales presentations.

When results later differed from expectations, homeowners began questioning what they had agreed to.

Why Solar Savings Can Diverge From Projections

Solar savings models rely on assumptions such as:

Future utility rate increases
System production levels
Household energy consumption
Tax credit eligibility

If any of those variables shift — such as usage increasing or utility rates stabilizing — real-world savings may differ from projections.

Contracts often state that estimates are not guarantees, but homeowners may not fully absorb that distinction during the sales process.

The Long-Term Commitment Factor

Many residential solar loans extend:

20 years
25 years
Or longer in lease arrangements

That means even small miscalculations can compound over time.

Homeowners may later discover:

Escalating payment structures
Interest totals significantly increasing overall cost
Transfer complications when selling a home
Prepayment penalties

The longer the term, the harder it feels to unwind.

Consumer Protection Questions

Reporting on the Massachusetts case raised broader questions about:

Oversight of solar sales practices
Disclosure requirements
Enforcement of consumer protection laws
The clarity of contract language

As solar adoption increases, scrutiny of industry practices has followed.

Homeowners often assume that because solar is associated with clean energy incentives, contracts are straightforward. In reality, they can be as complex as mortgage agreements.

If You Feel Misled About Solar Savings

If your situation includes:

Two monthly payments (utility + solar loan)
Higher overall costs than expected
Confusion about escalator clauses
Difficulty selling your home due to solar obligations

It may be helpful to review:

The savings estimate documentation
The full financing agreement
Performance guarantee language
Cancellation and arbitration clauses

Understanding whether your expectations align with the written agreement is critical.

A Practical, Education-First Approach

Help Solar Exit focuses on helping homeowners understand their solar contracts — not selling new systems.

If you’re unsure whether:

Your savings projections were realistic
Your financing terms were fully disclosed
Or renegotiation pathways exist

A contract review can provide clarity about your position and possible next steps.

When something feels off, understanding the document you signed is the most grounded place to begin.

Read the Original Coverage

For full reporting details: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2025-04-28/solar-panel-company-accused-of-shady-business-in-massachusetts