How to Report a Fraudulent Solar Company in Your State (and Protect Your Home Investment)

Solar can be one of the best upgrades for a home in Florida—but only when it’s done by a legitimate company with transparent pricing, permitting, and financing. If you suspect a solar installer or sales team misled you (or worse, committed fraud), reporting them helps protect other homeowners and can improve your chances of getting the issue resolved.

This guide walks you through what to document, who to contact, and how to avoid solar scams when you’re shopping for panels in Orlando and across Florida.

What Counts as Solar Fraud (Common Red Flags)

Not every bad experience is fraud, but certain patterns are strong warning signs. If any of these happened, it’s worth escalating.

• Misrepresentation of incentives: claiming a “state rebate” that doesn’t exist or promising a guaranteed tax credit amount regardless of eligibility.

• Forged or altered documents: signatures you didn’t authorize, changed pricing pages, or different equipment than what you approved.

• Deceptive financing terms: “no cost solar” claims that hide dealer fees, balloon payments, or escalating payments.

• Permitting or interconnection never completed: system installed (or partially installed) without proper permits or utility approval.

• High-pressure sales: “today only” pricing, refusal to provide written quotes, or discouraging you from getting a second opinion.

If you’re still evaluating options and want to compare legitimate proposals, review solar installation options in Orlando before signing anything.

Step-by-Step: How to Report a Fraudulent Solar Company

1) Secure and organize evidence

Start by collecting everything in one folder (digital and physical). The stronger your documentation, the easier it is for agencies, banks, and contractors’ boards to act.

• Signed contract(s), addenda, and any change orders

• Financing documents (loan, lease, PPA) and payment receipts

• Emails, texts, voicemails, and call logs

• Sales materials (screenshots of ads, proposals, promised savings)

• Photos of installation progress, roof condition, equipment labels/serials

• Permit numbers, inspection reports, and utility interconnection emails

2) Put your complaint in writing to the company

Before you file formal complaints, send the company a clear written notice describing the problem and what resolution you want (refund, cancellation, re-install, permit completion, equipment replacement). Keep it factual and include dates.

Tip: Ask for a written response by a specific deadline (for example, 10 business days). This creates a paper trail.

3) Contact your financing provider immediately

If the project was financed, call the lender or financing platform right away. Ask about dispute processes, payment holds, and whether the contractor violated any program rules. If you used a credit card for any deposit, ask about chargeback options and time limits.

4) File complaints with the right agencies (state + federal + local)

Because solar sales often crosses licensing, consumer protection, and advertising rules, you may need to file with more than one organization.

1. State consumer protection office: Usually the Attorney General’s consumer division.

2. Contractor licensing board (if applicable): Report unlicensed work, code violations, or misconduct.

3. Local building department: If permits/inspections were skipped or falsified.

4. Utility provider: For interconnection issues, false claims about net metering, or unauthorized applications.

5. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): For deceptive advertising and sales practices.

6. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Useful for documentation and public record, even if it’s not an enforcement agency.

Where to Report Solar Fraud in Florida (Orlando Area)

If you’re in Orlando or anywhere in Florida, these are common starting points. Requirements vary based on whether the issue is sales deception, unlicensed contracting, permitting, or financing.

• Florida Attorney General (Consumer Protection): File a consumer complaint for deceptive or unfair business practices.

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): If a licensed contractor is involved or you suspect licensing violations.

• Orange County / City of Orlando Building & Safety: For permits, inspections, or code-related concerns.

• FTC: Report deceptive marketing and fraud patterns.

If you want help understanding what should have been included in a legitimate contract (equipment specs, warranties, permitting, and timelines), explore what a reputable solar proposal includes.

How to Report a Fraudulent Solar Company in Any State

Not in Florida? The process is similar. Use this checklist to find the right agencies in your state:

• Search “Your State Attorney General consumer complaint”

• Search “Your State contractor licensing board complaint”

• Call your city/county building department and ask how to verify permits and inspections

• Submit a report to the FTC for deceptive practices

When in doubt, file in multiple places. A pattern of complaints is often what triggers deeper investigations.

What to Do If the System Is Installed Incorrectly (or Not Finished)

Fraud and poor workmanship can overlap. If your roof is compromised, electrical work looks unsafe, or the system isn’t producing as promised, prioritize safety and documentation.

1. Request a third-party inspection: An independent assessment can confirm code issues or missing components.

2. Do not sign completion documents if work is unfinished or noncompliant.

3. Confirm permitting status with the local building department.

4. Check monitoring apps and inverter data to verify production.

If you need a second opinion on your system design or installation quality in Central Florida, you can schedule a solar assessment in Orlando.

How to Avoid Solar Scams When Buying Panels in Orlando

The best time to prevent fraud is before you sign. Use these buyer-focused safeguards while shopping:

• Verify licensing and insurance: Ask for license numbers and proof of insurance, then confirm independently.

• Demand line-item transparency: Equipment brands/models, number of panels, inverter type, and warranties.

• Get a production estimate: Based on your roof orientation, shading, and actual utility rates.

• Understand financing: APR, term length, dealer fees, prepayment rules, and what happens if you sell your home.

• Insist on clear timelines: Permitting, installation date, inspection, and utility permission to operate.

Want to compare equipment and warranties with a local team? See our solar panel solutions in Orlando and request a no-pressure quote.

Quick Checklist: What to Include in Your Complaint

• Your full name, address, and phone/email

• Company name, address, phone, salesperson name (if known)

• Project address and timeline of events

• Total cost, amounts paid, and financing details

• Specific claims you believe were deceptive (quote them if possible)

• Copies of contracts, photos, and communications

• What resolution you want (refund, cancellation, completion, repairs)

Bottom Line

Reporting a fraudulent solar company protects your household and helps clean up the industry for other buyers. If you’re still shopping, the safest approach is to work with a reputable local installer who provides clear equipment specs, realistic savings expectations, and a documented permitting/interconnection plan.

If you’re in Orlando, Florida and want a transparent proposal from a trusted local provider, reach out for a quote and compare it side-by-side with what you’ve been offered.

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