Solar Panel Disputes in Massachusetts

Rooftop solar can lower energy bills, but many Massachusetts homeowners have run into problems: savings that never appeared, financing they did not understand, roof leaks after installation, systems that stopped working, installers that went out of business, and leases or liens that complicate a sale or refinance. Muggeo & Associates represents homeowners, condominium owners, and businesses in solar panel disputes from our Salem office.

Solar Problems We Handle

Solar Contract and Sales Disputes: misleading savings and tax-credit promises, high-pressure door-to-door sales, financing terms, and cancellation rights
Solar Roof Leaks and Installation Defects: leaks, structural damage, poor workmanship, and systems that underperform or stop working
Selling or Refinancing a Home With Solar: leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), UCC fixture filings, and transfers
Solar Panel Fires and Injuries: electrical fires, product defects, and installer falls
Installer closures and bankruptcies, abandoned projects, and warranty claims
Condominium and HOA restrictions on solar installations
Commercial and community solar contracts, mechanic’s liens, and land lease disputes

Massachusetts Laws That Often Apply

G.L. c. 93A prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices and can provide multiple damages and attorney fees. Consumers generally must send a written demand letter at least 30 days before suing. See Chapter 93A Claims.
G.L. c. 142A, the Home Improvement Contractor law, requires registration and a written contract with specific terms; state guidance has treated rooftop solar on existing one- to four-unit owner-occupied homes as covered.
Three-day cancellation rights under Massachusetts and federal law may apply to contracts signed at your home and to certain financed transactions.
G.L. c. 184, § 23C voids provisions in deeds and similar instruments that forbid or unreasonably restrict solar energy systems.
Contract and warranty law governs workmanship, production guarantees, and manufacturer warranties.

Federal Tax Credits Changed

Many solar sales were built around the 30 percent federal residential clean energy credit. Federal legislation enacted in July 2025 ended that credit for homeowner-owned systems after 2025. If a salesperson promised a tax credit you cannot use, or that you would receive a refund check, keep the written materials and talk with a lawyer and your tax advisor.

Commercial and Landowner Solar

We also represent businesses, contractors, and landowners in commercial and community solar projects, including payment disputes, Mechanic’s Liens, Construction Litigation, and land lease and easement terms.

How We Approach Solar Disputes

Review the contract, financing documents, disclosures, permits, and interconnection paperwork.
Identify every responsible party: the sales company, installer, lender, manufacturer, and any successor company.
Document defects and damage with photographs, roofer or engineer reports, and production data.
Send a targeted demand, including a Chapter 93A demand where appropriate.
Negotiate repairs, removal and reinstallation, contract rescission, or payment adjustments, or file suit when needed.

We represent homeowners, condominium owners, and businesses across the North Shore, including Salem, Peabody, Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Swampscott, Danvers, Gloucester, Newburyport, and communities throughout the North Shore and Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a solar company be held responsible for misleading sales promises?

Possibly. Misrepresenting savings, tax credits, ownership, or contract terms can support claims for breach of contract, fraud, and unfair or deceptive practices under G.L. c. 93A, which can allow multiple damages and attorney fees in appropriate cases.

Does the Massachusetts home improvement contractor law apply to solar?

State guidance from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation has treated solar installation on existing one- to four-unit owner-occupied homes as covered by G.L. c. 142A, which requires registration, specific written contract terms, and notice of cancellation rights.

Can my HOA or condominium association prohibit solar panels?

Under G.L. c. 184, § 23C, a provision in a deed or other instrument that forbids or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void. Condominium buildings raise additional questions about roofs and common elements, so the documents need careful review.

What if my solar company went out of business?

Installer bankruptcies and closures can leave homeowners with unfinished systems, unanswered warranty claims, and loans still due. Lenders, manufacturers, and successor companies may still have obligations, and timely claims in bankruptcy may be necessary.

Do you handle commercial solar disputes?

Yes. We handle contractor and payment disputes, mechanic’s liens, and lease and easement issues for businesses and landowners involved in solar projects.

Talk With a Massachusetts Solar Dispute Attorney

If you have a solar panel problem, call Muggeo & Associates at (978) 741-1177, text the same number, or request a consultation online. We answer calls 24/7 and can be reached at jared@ljmassoc.com. Our office is at 133 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts. Bring your contract, financing documents, and any utility or monitoring statements.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws and incentive programs change, and every situation is different. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Last reviewed November 2026.

Call or Text (978) 741-1177 to Schedule Your Consultation