HOUSTON – Following our report this week on Houston homeowner Frances Holt, our newsroom has received multiple messages from viewers and readers describing similar concerns about residential solar panel sales.
Many say they felt pressured into signing contracts they didn’t fully understand, were presented lengthy agreements on tablets or phones, or later discovered unexpected costs tied to long-term solar contracts. Consumer advocates say those complaints reflect a growing statewide issue and stress that homeowners who believe they were misled should file a complaint with the state.
Texas regulates residential solar retailers through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which investigates complaints involving deceptive sales practices, contract confusion and installation problems. Advocates say filing a complaint not only helps individual homeowners but also helps regulators identify broader patterns across the solar industry.
Where to start
Homeowners should begin by visiting the TDLR website.
From the homepage:
- Click on the “Complaints and Enforcement” tab
- Select “File a Complaint”
- You will be taken directly to the online complaint form
When prompted to select a program, choose “Residential Solar Retailers” from the dropdown menu.
What to include
Consumer advocates stress that being detailed is critical. Complaints that lack information may not move forward to an investigation.
Be sure to include:
- The name of the solar company and salesperson, if known
- When and how the sale occurred (door-to-door, online or by phone)
- Whether the contract was signed electronically or on a tablet
- If you received a printed copy of the contract
- Any concerns about pressure tactics, unclear pricing or misleading claims
- Documentation such as contracts, emails, invoices or demand letters
If there was damage to your home during installation, include photos and repair estimates when available.
Consumer advocates say complaints tied to residential solar sales have increased sharply in recent years, particularly among older homeowners. Reports have raised concerns about long-term contracts, unexpected costs and confusion over cancellation rights.
If you believe a solar company misrepresented its services or pressured you into an agreement, filing a complaint with TDLR is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others.