Massachusetts Residents Struggle with Sunrun Solar Panel Contracts

CARVER, Mass. — Colette Wildman thought installing solar panels would save her family money, but after a few years, their electricity costs have doubled since the installation. Wildman, a Carver resident, signed a contract with Sunrun Inc. believing she could lease the panels without upfront costs. Instead, her family now pays about $600 a month for electricity.

Wildman was shocked to learn that she had signed a 20-year contract that required her to pay for all the energy produced by the solar panels, even if it exceeded her usage. When she complained about the rising costs, Sunrun took her to court, seeking nearly $100,000 for breaking the agreement. “I said I would have never agreed to that. That doesn’t make sense to me,” Wildman explained in an interview.

Wildman is among many Massachusetts residents embroiled in legal battles with the California-based solar company. An investigation by GBH News revealed that Sunrun, the nation’s largest residential solar installer, has faced increasing complaints from customers who feel misled about savings and contract terms.

“For many customers, it works out fine,” said Jenifer Bosco, a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center. “But there’s also been increasing reports of people getting signed up for bad contracts and predatory sales practices.”

Sunrun has filed over 420 lawsuits against customers in Massachusetts alone since 2023, according to data from GBH News and Boston University students. Meanwhile, at least two dozen homeowners have filed counter-suits against the company, alleging consumer fraud.

Sunrun, which controls about 12% of the solar market, claims to have more than one million customers across the country. The company stated in an email that their subscription service emphasizes consumer protection and that serious complaints are rare. “It is standard for businesses to collect on unpaid accounts,” said spokesman Wyatt Semanek. “At Sunrun, we use this approach sparingly.”

However, Sunrun’s practices have prompted concerns among consumer advocates. The Connecticut Attorney General has noted allegations of “deceptive” sales tactics, including forged signatures and non-functional systems. Since 2023, Massachusetts officials have received roughly 170 complaints against Sunrun, the highest among solar companies in the state.

George Depina, Brockton’s chief of inspectional services, expressed concern over the company’s aggressive marketing in vulnerable communities. “They’re targeting communities like Brockton because of the lower income,” he said, highlighting the rapid increase in solar permits issued in the city.

Wildman and other residents, including Trevor Nkuubi and Moussa Traore, are now navigating both legal battles and financial strain as they seek resolutions to their grievances with Sunrun.

After GBH News inquired about Wildman’s case, she received a call from Sunrun offering to dismiss the lawsuit and waive $1,660 in fees, offering free solar power for a period. “I’m so relieved,” she said, but still feels anxious for others in similar situations.

The situation underscores the need for increased consumer protections in the solar industry, as lawmakers in Massachusetts consider initiatives aimed at regulating deceptive contracts and sales practices.