Solar Energy System Defect and Breach of Contract Claims

Investigating Defective Products, True-Up Agreements, and Misleading Sales

Solar energy systems are marketed as reliable, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly investments. But for many homeowners and businesses, defective products, failures to perform under written contracts, and misleading sales tactics have led to costly repairs, roof damage, underperforming systems, and/or financial losses.

At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we are investigating potential claims on behalf of property owners, including in California, New York, and Illinois. Our firm has decades of experience in complex litigation and has achieved significant recoveries on behalf of clients harmed by corporate misconduct. If your solar energy system is potentially defective or your solar energy company has not paid you what is owed for energy production, we can help you understand your options.

Learn more about solar panel lawsuits and your options. Call (916) 520-6639 or contact us online for a FREE case evaluation.

Why Choose Kershaw Talley Barlow?

When you are dealing with national solar companies or large equipment manufacturers, you need attorneys with the experience and resources to take them on. Clients trust us because:

• Proven Results: Over $1 billion recovered for clients in high-stakes cases.
• Experienced Trial Lawyers: More than 100 years of combined experience in complex litigation.
• Personalized Service: We provide clear communication and guidance at every stage.
• Contingency Fee Representation: Free consultation, without attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Our Results in Complex and High-Stakes Litigation

Kershaw Talley Barlow has secured landmark recoveries in cases involving corporate misconduct, defective products, and unfair business practices. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating multi-district litigation, class actions, mass torts, and other resource-intensive disputes where the stakes are high and the opponents are powerful. Some of our results include:

• $390 Million – American Honda Motor Co.:  MDL settlement over bribery and vehicle allocation conspiracy.
• $211 Million – BMW of North America, LLC:  Class settlement for allegedly defective high-pressure fuel pumps.
• $87 Million – United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS):  Settlement for alleged wage and hour violations affecting 23,600 drivers.
• $45 Million – Ford Motor Company:  Jury verdict for heavy truck dealers in a contract dispute.
• $39 Million – VeriSign, Inc.:  Class settlement over alleged misrepresentations concerning encryption security certificates.

Common Solar Energy System Issues and Disputes

Solar energy system disputes can take many forms. The most common problems we hear from homeowners and businesses include:

• Defective Products – Panels, inverters, connectors, and other components that fail prematurely, fail to meet output standards or representations, or present safety risks such as overheating and combustion. These failures not only compromise performance but can cause property damage and pose a serious safety risk.
• Misleading Sales Practices and Marketing Materials – Company marketing materials may include inflated claims about eliminating energy bills, hidden financing terms, or promises of tax credits that the customer does not actually qualify for. Homeowners can be left locked into long-term loans for systems that never deliver the promised savings or performance.
• Breach of Contract or Warranty – Solar companies frequently advertise 20-25 year performance guarantees, but some refuse to honor repair or replacement obligations when problems arise. Others refuse to pay true-up energy payments under the terms of their purchase or performance agreement.

These problems can cause serious financial losses, property damage, and ongoing concerns for homeowners and businesses. Fortunately, affected owners may have legal options to recover costs and hold companies accountable.

Legal Options for Affected Owners

If you’ve experienced problems with your solar panels or installation, several legal avenues may be available:

• Product Liability – Manufacturers may be liable for defects in the design or manufacturing of panels, inverters, connectors, and other components. For example, some systems have had junction boxes that overheat and create fire hazards. A product liability claim can help recover costs for repairs, property damage, or other losses.
• Breach of Warranty and Breach of Contract – Solar energy systems are often sold with 20–25 year performance warranties. If your system degrades or fails prematurely, or if the company fails to repair or replace defective parts under warranty, you may have a claim. You may also have a claim if the company fails to pay true-up energy payments under their purchase or performance agreement with customers.
• Consumer Fraud / Misrepresentation – Many homeowners are sold solar energy systems based on promises of performance, significant energy savings, or “no out-of-pocket costs.” If those promises were false, deceptive, unfair, and/or misleading, or if key information (such as financing terms) was concealed, you may have claims under state consumer protection laws. 

Not every case will involve all these theories, but reviewing your situation with an attorney can clarify what options may apply.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have a claim worth pursuing if you have experienced one or more of the following:

• Your solar energy system altogether fails or produces significantly less energy than promised.
• You’ve paid for repeated repairs or component replacements.
• You were misled about system costs, financing, true-up energy payments, or expected savings.
• The company has refused to honor its warranties or agreements.
• You incurred economic losses, including overpayment or out of pocket costs related to your system.

Even if you are uncertain whether your situation qualifies, we encourage you to seek a free evaluation. Every case is different, and legal options vary by state.

Potential Compensation

Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:

• Repair or replacement costs
• Reimbursement of installation or financing expenses
• Damages for roof or property repairs caused by faulty installation
• Recovery of lost energy savings or incentives
• Out-of-pocket expenses for service calls, inspections, or interim power needs

Because deadlines to initiate a lawsuit vary depending on the state, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid losing your ability to bring a claim.

How Kershaw Talley Barlow Can Help

Our firm has a national reputation for handling complex product liability, consumer protection, and class action cases. When you work with us, we will:

• Review your contracts, warranties, and system documentation.
• Evaluate whether defects, contracts, or misrepresentations give rise to legal claims.
• Advise you on whether and how to proceed with a potential case.
• Handle communications, negotiations, and all phases of litigation.

Our goal is to provide clear, step-by-step guidance and explore every available legal avenue for relief on your behalf.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (916) 520-6639

If you’ve experienced problems with your solar energy system, you do not have to navigate the situation alone. Kershaw Talley Barlow is here to help property owners explore their options and understand what remedies may be available.

Call (916) 520-6639 or contact us online for a free consultation.