What Happened to Wells Solar? A Guide for Customers Left in the Lurch

Ever make a big investment in your home? One that was supposed to provide security and savings for years to come? …What about when the company you trusted with that investment suddenly disappears?

If you’re a former customer of Wells Solar, you’re likely facing this exact scenario. You were sold on the promise of clean energy and long-term support. But now the company has shut down, leaving you with an expensive system and a lot of unanswered questions. 🙂

When you’re left with a faulty system and the company that installed it has filed for bankruptcy, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of options.

My hope and thought is that you can understand your rights without needing to be a bankruptcy law pro. And you definitely don’t have to accept being stuck with a massive loan for a system that doesn’t work or isn’t supported.

When you sign a contract that includes a 25-year warranty, you expect that promise to be kept. The bankruptcy of Wells Solar doesn’t make that promise disappear; it just changes who you need to hold accountable.

Ready to learn what happened to Wells Solar and what you can do to protect your investment? This post will (hopefully) walk you through everything you need to know, from the company’s collapse to the legal actions you can take. Let’s begin!

A Look at Wells Solar’s History

Founded in Austin, Texas, Wells Solar grew to become a significant player in the Texas residential solar market, later expanding to other states. For years, they installed thousands of solar panel systems, promoting themselves as a reliable, local choice for homeowners looking to make the switch to renewable energy.

They built a reputation as one of the larger installers in the state. However, like many companies in the volatile solar industry, their rapid growth appears to have masked underlying issues that would eventually lead to their collapse.

A Pattern of Complaints: The Writing on the Wall

Even before shutting down, Wells Solar drew a flood of complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp. Frustrated customers shared story after story of delays, poor communication, and unfinished systems. This revealed a clear, recurring pattern of problems.

Common issues reported by homeowners included:

• Extreme Delays: Many customers described waiting for months, sometimes over a year, to get their systems installed and operational after signing a contract.
• Poor Communication: A major source of frustration was the company’s lack of communication. Customers reported that their calls and emails were ignored, leaving them in the dark about the status of their project.
• Faulty Installations and Damage: Some homeowners experienced significant issues with the quality of the installation, including property damage and systems that never worked correctly from the start.
• Unfulfilled Service Requests: Customers with existing systems often struggled to get Wells Solar to respond to service calls or honor warranty claims, even when the company was fully operational. I know I’ve personally seen how this kind of unresponsiveness can be the first red flag that a company is in serious trouble.

What Went Wrong: A Sudden Bankruptcy

The problems plaguing Wells Solar culminated in late 2023. After suddenly laying off its employees and ceasing all communication, Wells Solar officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

It is critical to understand what a Chapter 7 bankruptcy means for you as a customer. Unlike a Chapter 11 bankruptcy where a company tries to reorganize and continue operating, Chapter 7 is a liquidation. This means the company is shutting down for good, selling off all its assets to pay its creditors, and has no intention of finishing jobs or servicing warranties.

This has left many homeowners in a terrible position, with some facing unfinished projects or even mechanic’s liens placed on their property by unpaid suppliers.

Don’t Let Bankruptcy Erase Your Rights

If Wells Solar went out of business and your system doesn’t work, or was never finished, you still have options. 

At Prevost Law Firm, we help homeowners like you take action against lenders when a solar company disappears or fails to deliver what was promised. Using powerful consumer protection laws like the FTC Holder Rule, our attorneys can often help clients reduce or even cancel their loans entirely.

You don’t have to be stuck with payments on a system that doesn’t work.
💬 Request a no-cost case review today to find out where you stand and what steps you can take.

👉 Get My Free Case Review

Is Wells Solar Still in Business?

No. Wells Solar is permanently out of business. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing confirms they have ceased all operations. Their offices are closed, their phone lines are disconnected, and they will not be returning to service any systems or complete any installations.

What About Your 25-Year Warranty?

Wells Solar heavily marketed a 25-year warranty on their systems. Now that they are gone, it’s crucial to understand what part of that warranty still exists.

1. Workmanship Warranty: This portion covered the installation labor and was provided by Wells Solar. Since the company has been liquidated, this warranty is now worthless. There is no one to call to fix a roof leak or faulty wiring under this warranty.
2. Manufacturer’s Warranty: This covers the physical components: your solar panels and inverters. This warranty is provided by the equipment manufacturer and is still valid. If a panel or inverter fails due to a product defect, you can file a claim directly with that manufacturer.

Your Most Important Legal Tool: The FTC Holder Rule

Just because Wells Solar is bankrupt doesn’t mean you have to pay for a broken system. If you financed your solar installation, you are protected by a federal law called the FTC Holder Rule.

So…what is the Holder Rule?

This rule is designed for situations just like this. It states that the finance company that holds your loan is subject to all the legal claims and defenses that you could have asserted against the seller. In other words, if Wells Solar breached its contract by failing to provide a working system or a valid 25-year warranty, you can hold your lender legally responsible for that breach.

This powerful rule means you may be able to:

• Bring a lawsuit directly against the finance company.
• You could assert legal defenses that protect you from being held responsible for a fraudulent contract.
• Seek to have your loan completely canceled and recover the money you have already paid.

The Holder Rule prevents lenders from forcing consumers to pay for fraudulent or failed projects.

Legal Steps to Take if Your Solar Panels Aren’t Working

If you are a former Wells Solar customer with a faulty, underperforming, or unfinished system, you must take proactive steps to protect yourself.

1. Gather Your Documents. Collect every piece of paper related to your solar project: the sales agreement, the installation contract, and especially your financing and loan agreements.
2. Document the Issues. Take clear photos and videos of any damage or system failures. Get a repair estimate from an independent solar technician to establish the cost of fixing the problems.
3. Notify Your Lender. Send a formal, written notice to your finance company. State that Wells Solar is bankrupt and has breached its contract and warranty obligations. Inform them that you are asserting your rights under the FTC Holder Rule.
4. Consult with an Experienced Consumer Law Attorney. Navigating a legal claim against a large finance company is complex. A law firm like Prevost Law Firm with experience in solar panel litigation can manage this process for you, ensuring your rights are protected and holding the lender accountable.

Wells Solar Conclusion

The bankruptcy of Wells Solar is another unfortunate example of a solar installer that grew too fast and left a trail of unhappy customers in its wake. The company’s collapse has turned the promise of energy savings into a financial nightmare for many Texas families.

However, the end of Wells Solar does not have to be the end of your story. You are not powerless. By leveraging the FTC Holder Rule, you can shift the responsibility back to the finance company that funded the project. You are not obligated to pay for a broken promise.

Above all, remember that you have legal rights that can lead to a real remedy. Seeking timely, experienced legal advice is the most crucial step you can take to protect your home and your finances.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Who can I call to fix my Wells Solar system?
Since Wells Solar is out of business, you will need to contact an independent, local solar repair company for any service. You will likely have to pay for this service out of pocket, but you may be able to recover these costs in a legal claim against your lender.

How do I make a claim on my equipment warranty?
Identify the brand names of your solar panels and inverters from your contract documents. Go to the manufacturer’s website to find their warranty claim process and contact them directly.

What is a mechanic’s lien?
If Wells Solar failed to pay its suppliers for the equipment used on your home, that supplier could place a lien on your property. This is a legal claim against your property for an unpaid debt. If you receive a lien notice, you should contact an attorney immediately.

Can I sue Wells Solar now that they are bankrupt?
Suing a company in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is generally not effective, as there are no assets left to pay consumer claims. The most viable path for recovery is a legal action against the finance company that holds your loan.

How do I find out who my finance company is?
The name of your lender is on your loan agreement and on the monthly statements you receive. This is the company to which you send your payments.