Many prospective clients have asked whether Prevost Law Firm handles solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) cases. We appreciate this question and want to provide a clear and transparent answer.
At this time, we are not accepting lease or PPA cases.
Our Current Focus
Our firm is currently focused on representing clients in cases that involve:
- Breach of warranty, where the solar system fails to perform as promised
- Breach of contract, where the terms agreed upon were not honored
- Improper dealer fees or hidden charges imposed by lenders
These cases generally involve clients who own their solar systems either through a purchase or a loan. Ownership provides a clearer legal framework and more robust consumer protections. This allows us to pursue meaningful remedies under applicable laws, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s Holder Rule.
Why Lease and PPA Cases Are More Complex
Lease and PPA agreements differ significantly from purchase agreements because the homeowner does not own the solar system. This distinction makes legal action more complicated.
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In a lease, many typical misrepresentations are not applicable in the same way. Typical misrepesentations include things like overstated production expectations or tax benefits. Companies that structure their offerings as leases often do so in part to reduce their legal exposure. These agreements tend to be written in ways that make it difficult to hold the provider accountable.
As a result, lease and PPA cases rarely provide a viable path to the level of relief or resolution we strive to achieve for our clients.
One Area of Concern Within Leases
There is one aspect of solar leases that we believe is particularly problematic: the automatic annual price increase. The most common escalation rate we see is 2.9 percent per year. While this may appear minor, it can significantly raise monthly payments over time and erode the financial benefits the lease was meant to provide.
If you are currently in a lease with escalating payments, we recommend contacting a local consumer law attorney. You may be able to challenge the annual increase and negotiate a fixed payment schedule, which could offer long-term financial relief. Based on our experience, this is the most practical avenue of recourse available for leaseholders at this time.
Our Commitment
We recognize how frustrating and financially stressful a problematic solar agreement can be. While we are not currently accepting lease or PPA cases, this decision is rooted in our commitment to delivering real, measurable outcomes for our clients.
Should future legal developments provide new strategies for pursuing lease-related claims, we will revisit this decision and provide an update accordingly.
In the meantime, we remain dedicated to advocating for homeowners who have been misled or financially harmed through solar purchases and financing arrangements. If you believe you have experienced a breach of warranty, breach of contract, or hidden lender fees, we encourage you to contact us for a no-cost claim review.
How To Get Out of a Solar Lease
While solar energy can be a smart investment, leasing panels (instead of owning them) can create unexpected hurdles. For example, homes with owned solar often sell faster and for more. But leases can complicate sales and scare off buyers.
Did you know most solar leases last 20–25 years? That’s a major commitment, and many homeowners don’t realize what they’ve signed up for until circumstances change.
Understanding Your Lease
Solar leases function like car leases: you don’t own the equipment, but you’re locked into fixed monthly payments (usually $75–$200) for decades. Worse, most include escalator clauses, increasing payments by 1–5% annually.
Before signing, look for:
- Performance guarantees if the system underperforms
- Termination provisions outlining your exit options
- Cancelation windows, often just 3–30 days
- Buyout terms, typically allowed after 5–7 years
Missed the fine print? You’re not alone. Many homeowners discover later that the lease is nearly impossible to exit—and that nonpayment can lead to repossession and debt collection.
Exit Strategies
If you’re past the initial cancellation period, you still have options:
- Early Buyout: Usually available after 5–7 years. Expect to pay $10,000–$40,000 depending on system age and size.
- Market Value Purchase: Some leases allow a third-party appraisal to determine a potentially lower purchase price.
- Lease Transfer: Often used during home sales. The buyer must qualify, and fees range from $500–$2,000.
- System Relocation: Some companies allow you to move the system to a new home—at your expense ($3,000–$8,000).
- Hardship Cancellation: In cases like divorce, job loss, or major home damage, some contracts permit termination.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Escalators can double your monthly payment by the end of the lease.
- Panel removal can run $300–$750 per panel, or $3,000–$12,500 total.
- Roof repairs might not be covered and can cost $15,000–$25,000—plus you may be limited to using the lease company’s contractors.
And unlike owned systems, leased solar usually adds no value in a home appraisal, making resale trickier.
The Bottom Line
Leasing solar panels may seem like an affordable green choice, but the long-term financial risks can outweigh the benefits. Especially if your situation changes. If you’re considering solar, owning the system (outright or through a loan) typically offers far more flexibility and value.
Already in a lease? Review your contract carefully and consult a real estate attorney to explore your exit options. A little expert help could save you thousands.
Conclusion
Navigating solar agreements can be complex, especially when promises are broken or terms become burdensome. While lease and power purchase agreement cases present significant legal challenges that limit our ability to serve clients effectively in those matters, Prevost Law Firm remains committed to protecting homeowners from deceptive practices in solar sales and financing.
If you have a purchased system and believe your contract has been violated or you were charged unfair dealer fees, we are here to help.
Our goal is to provide clear guidance, strong legal support, and the highest possible value to every client we serve.
