HOUSTON – A Houston homeowner says what was supposed to lower her energy bills has turned into a financial nightmare.
Frances Holt says a solar salesperson came to her home in 2024 pitching solar panels as a way to save money and protect the neighborhood from power outages. Holt says she felt pressured into signing up with solar company Sunrun, even though she didn’t fully understand the contract.
“Now that I say it out loud, it sounds really weird,” Holt told KPRC 2 News Reporter Rilwan Blaogun, recalling the sales pitch.
Holt says she signed the agreement electronically and never received a printed copy of the 43-page contract. She says she trusted the salesperson and didn’t have time to read everything before signing.
Soon after installation, Holt says there were problems. She claims the installation damaged her roof, leading to delays and repairs. Then, after seeing news stories raising concerns about solar sales practices, Holt says she decided not to activate the system at all.
“I thought I was fine,” Holt said.
That changed late last year when Holt received a letter stating she owed $134,097.18.
“I guess that’s the 25-year promise,” Holt said. “My bill is supposed to be balanced, not $134,097.18.”
Sunrun did not respond to multiple calls and emails from KPRC 2 News asking about Holt’s case. After Balogun reached out, Holt says she began receiving multiple phone calls from the company while she was at a doctor’s appointment.
“[Sunrun] told me if I canceled the [interview] with you all, they would resolve this for me,” Holt said.
“I hate that I was a victim,” she said. “I feel stupid and dumb because I fell for it.”
KPRC 2 Investigates Amy Davis has previously reported on Sunrun and similar complaints involving older Houstonians who say they were misled about solar contracts, locked into long-term agreements, or told panels would be “free” or government funded.
Consumer advocates say Holt’s experience fits a broader trend.
“The story that you shared is very common,” said Stephanie Mace with AARP Texas. “This is happening to everybody - old, young.”
According to AARP Texas, complaints tied to residential solar fraud and confusion have surged statewide. Complaints to Texas agencies increased by more than 500 percent from 2018 to 2023.
Mace says one major concern is how contracts are presented.
“The use of a tablet is very common, and it’s really challenging to get a full picture of a multi-page contract on a small screen,” Mace said. “People need to be able to see the full contract in advance and know what they’re signing.”
AARP Texas is pushing for stronger consumer protections at the Texas Legislature, including requirements for clearer disclosures, printed contracts, and easier cancellation when homeowners change their minds.
Texas recently passed a new law, known as the Residential Solar Retailer Regulatory Act, that for the first time gives the state authority to regulate residential solar sales by requiring clearer contracts, a five-day cancellation period and greater oversight of solar salespeople.
Mace says homeowners should not feel embarrassed if they find themselves in a situation like Holt’s.
“Please don’t feel embarrassed,” she said. “These tactics are designed to pressure people.”
Her advice:
- It’s okay to say no thank you to door-to-door salespeople and not engage.
- Never rush into signing a contract.
- Talk to family members and neighbors who already have solar panels.
- Research companies and check for complaints before agreeing to anything.
Consumers who believe they were misled can file complaints with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees aspects of the solar industry.
As for Holt, she says she’s speaking out so others don’t make the same mistake.
“I just want people to be aware,” she said. “I had already referred other people, and they were about to sign.”
KPRC 2 News has requested a response from Sunrun and will update this story if the company responds.