Before signing a solar contract, get a second opinion on system size, production estimates, the assumed credit for exported power, the cash price, and any dealer fee hidden in financing. For an installed system that underperforms, an inspection can find shading, equipment faults, wiring issues, or an estimate that was unrealistic to begin with.
Last updated
Solar is one of the most aggressively sold home improvements. Door-to-door and phone sales, "free solar" claims, and same-day signing pressure are common nationwide, and Metro Atlanta is no exception. A second opinion before you sign, or an inspection of a system that isn't living up to its promises, can save you from a long, expensive mistake.
Before you sign: questions to bring to a second installer
- Is the system sized right? Compare the proposed size and estimated production with your last 12 months of usage.
- Is the production estimate realistic? Shade, orientation, and roof tilt all matter. NREL's free PVWatts calculator can give you an independent ballpark.
- Is the savings estimate realistic? Check what rate it assumes your exported power is credited at, and whether it assumes utility rates rise at a high fixed percentage every year.
- What is the actual cash price? If the quote shows only a monthly payment, ask for the cash price and the total of all payments.
- Is there a dealer fee? Many "low rate" solar loans add a dealer fee to the price. This can raise the amount you finance well above the cash price.
- Does it depend on a tax credit? According to IRS guidance, the federal residential clean energy credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Be wary of any pitch built around a credit; confirm current rules with a tax professional.
Lease and PPA contracts
If you're offered a lease or power purchase agreement, look for the annual escalator, the contract length, who handles maintenance, buyout options, what happens if you sell your home, and whether the company can place a filing on your property records. Ask a real estate attorney if anything is unclear.
Your right to cancel
Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, many sales of $25 or more made at your home give you three business days to cancel. There are exceptions, and state law may add protections, so read the cancellation notice in your contract carefully and act quickly if you have doubts.
After installation: when a system underperforms
If your system produces much less than promised, an inspection can look for:
- Shading that wasn't accounted for, or new tree growth
- Failed inverters, microinverters, or optimizers
- Wiring faults or tripped breakers
- Monitoring that's misreporting, or a system that was never fully commissioned
- An original estimate that was unrealistic to begin with
Safety and code inspections
Buying a home with solar? An inspection can confirm the system works, check for visible defects, and identify who owns the equipment. A leased system means taking over a contract, not just a roof full of panels. Ask the seller for the contract, warranties, permit records, and the utility's interconnection approval.
If you think you were misled
You can report deceptive sales practices to the FTC and to the Georgia Department of Law's Consumer Protection Division. Keep copies of every contract, text, email, and sales document.
For a second look at a quote or system, request an independent installer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dealer fee on a solar loan?
It's a fee some lenders charge the installer to offer a lower advertised interest rate, which is often built into your system's price. It can make the financed amount much higher than the cash price. Always ask for both prices in writing.
Can I cancel a solar contract I signed at home?
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel many in-home sales of $25 or more, with some exceptions. Read the cancellation terms in your contract and act quickly if you want out.
Is 'free solar' real?
Not in the way it sounds. Offers advertised as free solar are usually leases or power purchase agreements with long-term payments, or misleading sales pitches. Read the contract and get independent quotes.