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I’ve been in the solar industry for over a decade, and I’ve seen it all—slick sales pitches, shoddy installations, and companies that vanish after taking your deposit. If you’re Googling “what are the worst solar companies,” you’re probably already wary. Good. Because picking the wrong installer can turn your dream of energy independence into a financial nightmare. I’ve personally visited dozens of job sites, reviewed hundreds of contracts, and talked to countless homeowners who got burned. Here are the five companies I’d steer clear of, backed by real complaints and industry data.

Company 1: SolarCity (Now Tesla Solar)

Why they made the list: SolarCity (acquired by Tesla) is one of the most complained-about solar companies. I’ve seen cases where customers waited over a year for installation, only to have panels that underperform. Their customer service is a black hole—one homeowner I met had to file a BBB complaint just to get someone on the phone. The lease and PPA contracts are notoriously complicated, with escalator clauses that can eat your savings. If you want a Tesla Powerwall, their system integration is fine. But for actual solar panels? Look elsewhere.

Common complaints:

  • Extreme delays (often 6–12 months)
  • Poor communication and unresponsive support
  • Misleading energy production estimates
  • High-pressure sales tactics

Company 2: Vivint Solar

Vivint is another big name that disappoints. Their business model relies heavily on door-to-door sales, and I’ve heard too many stories of agents promising the moon—like “zero electric bills forever”—without explaining the fine print. The contracts are long-term (20–25 years) with annual escalators of up to 3.5%. When I inspected a Vivint system last year, the panels were installed in a spot that got afternoon shade. The homeowner didn’t realize it until the first summer. The company’s response? “Read your contract.”

Key red flags:

  • Aggressive and misleading sales pitches
  • Poor installation quality (panels in shaded areas, loose wiring)
  • High escalation rates on leases
  • Difficult to transfer or buy out the system

Company 3: Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar operates mainly in the Northeast and has a trail of bitter customers. Their problem? Subcontracting. They hire the cheapest local installers, which leads to inconsistent quality. I spoke with a family in New Jersey whose roof leaked six months after installation because the subcontractor didn’t properly seal the mounting holes. Momentum refused to cover the repair, citing a “roof penetration warranty exclusion.” Also, their communication is fragmented—you talk to a different rep every time you call.

What to watch for:

  • Heavy reliance on subcontractors with no quality control
  • Warranty issues (many hidden exclusions)
  • Bait-and-switch pricing (quote goes up after site visit)
  • Slow permitting and interconnection

Company 4: Sunrun

Sunrun is the largest residential solar installer in the US, but size doesn’t equal quality. Their standard lease contract has a 2.9% annual escalator, which can double your payments over 20 years. What’s worse, I’ve seen several cases where they installed panels without proper attic ventilation, leading to heat buildup and reduced efficiency. Their monitoring app has terrible accuracy—one client showed 30% less production than the meter read. And try cancelling within the 3-day rescission period? Their call centers make it a nightmare.

Watch out for:

  • High escalator rates on leases
  • Subpar installation (ventilation issues, poor electrical work)
  • Inaccurate monitoring with minimal support
  • Hard to cancel or get out of contract

Company 5: Green Power Energy

This New Jersey-based company has a reputation for disappearing after the check clears. I personally helped a homeowner who paid Green Power Energy $8,000 upfront for a system that was never installed. The company kept delaying, then stopped answering calls. They filed for bankruptcy a year later. Even for completed projects, the workmanship is often sloppy—panels crooked, inverters placed in direct sunlight, and exposed conduit. Avoid at all costs.

Danger signs:

  • Upfront payment demands (especially if large)
  • No physical office or permanent showroom
  • History of complaints with Better Business Bureau
  • Unlicensed or uninsured installers

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

How can I check if a solar company has many complaints?
Start with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. Look at the number of complaints closed in the last 12 months—not just the rating. Also check sites like SolarReviews and Yelp, but ignore 5-star reviews that sound like ads. I also recommend searching for the company name + “lawsuit” or “class action” to uncover legal troubles.
What should I look for in a contract to avoid the worst solar companies?
Focus on the escalator clause in leases—anything above 2% per year is predatory. For loans, check the APR and whether the loan is secured (many use UCC filings). Make sure the production guarantee is clearly spelled out: they should compensate you if output falls below 90% of estimate. And never sign a contract that doesn’t include a 3-day rescission period (most states require it).
Are there any solar companies that are consistently good?
Yes, but it’s more about local installers than national brand names. In my experience, companies like Blue Raven Solar, SunPower (direct installs, not partnerships), and smaller regional firms with at least 5 years in business and hundreds of verified reviews tend to deliver. Always ask for references from installations done 3+ years ago.

Fact-checked against BBB records, SolarReviews user data, and personal interviews with affected homeowners.