Massachusetts Residents Demand Justice from Solar Energy Company Sunrun Over Costly Solar Deals
New Delhi | May 1, 2025 — A growing number of Massachusetts homeowners are fighting back after what they describe as predatory practices by Sunrun Inc., a California-based solar energy company specializing in solar panel installation and financing. Residents, including Colette Wildman from Carver, Massachusetts, claim they were misled into signing long-term contracts that left them paying far more than expected.
Wildman, who installed solar panels with the hope of reducing her electricity costs, saw her bills soar instead, going from $300 a month to over $600. When she investigated, she discovered she had signed a 20-year agreement that required her to pay for all the energy her panels produced, regardless of whether she used it — and costs would rise each year.
“I said I would have never agreed to that. That doesn’t make sense to me. We got scammed,” Wildman said during an interview with GBH News.
Rising Bills and Misleading Contracts
Her case is part of a larger pattern of complaints against Sunrun, which has filed over 420 lawsuits against Massachusetts homeowners in the last two years alone. Many customers have reported signing up for what appeared to be affordable energy solutions, only to find themselves locked into contracts with rising costs and faulty systems.
According to Jenifer Bosco, a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, consumer complaints against solar energy companies like Sunrun have been on the rise, with many customers accusing the solar energy company of deceptive sales practices. “There’s increasing reports of people getting signed up for bad contracts, predatory sales practices, and problems with the solar panels themselves,” she said.
Sunrun, which claims to be the country’s leading provider of residential solar energy systems, markets itself as a solution for homeowners looking to finance clean energy without purchasing the panels outright. However, consumer advocates warn that long-term contracts, often with escalating rates, can be problematic. They advise homeowners to consider purchasing panels outright or financing through more conventional means like banks.
Legal Battles and Consumer Complaints
Wildman’s case is part of a larger trend in Massachusetts, where Sunrun has filed over 420 lawsuits against homeowners in the past two years. Many customers report being misled into signing long-term contracts that didn’t match expectations, leading to rising costs or faulty systems.
According to Jenifer Bosco, senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, complaints against solar companies are on the rise. “People are being signed up for bad contracts, predatory sales practices, and problems with the panels,” she explained.
Sunrun’s Position and Consumer Warnings
Sunrun, the nation’s largest residential solar provider, markets its services as an affordable energy solution. However, consumer advocates warn that leasing panels with escalating costs may not be the best option. They recommend purchasing panels outright or financing through banks for more control over long-term costs.
The solar energy company has yet to directly address the legal claims, but continues to assure customers that its financing options offer locked-in, affordable rates.