HOUSTON \u2013 A Houston homeowner says what was supposed to lower her energy bills has turned into a financial nightmare.<\/p>\n
Frances Holt says a solar salesperson came to her home in 2024 pitching solar panels as a way to save money and protect the neighborhood from power outages. Holt says she felt pressured into signing up with solar company Sunrun, even though she didn\u2019t fully understand the contract.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow that I say it out loud, it sounds really weird,\u201d Holt told KPRC 2 News Reporter Rilwan Blaogun, recalling the sales pitch.<\/p>\n
Holt says she signed the agreement electronically and never received a printed copy of the 43-page contract. She says she trusted the salesperson and didn\u2019t have time to read everything before signing.<\/p>\n
Solar was supposed to save her money. Instead, a Houston woman says she\u2019s being told she owes more than $134,000. (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n
Soon after installation, Holt says there were problems. She claims the installation damaged her roof, leading to delays and repairs. Then, after seeing news stories raising concerns about solar sales practices, Holt says she decided not to activate the system at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I was fine,\u201d Holt said.<\/p>\n
That changed late last year when Holt received a letter stating she owed $134,097.18.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess that\u2019s the 25-year promise,\u201d Holt said. \u201cMy bill is supposed to be balanced, not $134,097.18.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sunrun did not respond to multiple calls and emails from KPRC 2 News asking about Holt\u2019s case. After Balogun reached out, Holt says she began receiving multiple phone calls from the company while she was at a doctor\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Sunrun] told me if I canceled the [interview] with you all, they would resolve this for me,\u201d Holt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hate that I was a victim,\u201d she said. \u201cI feel stupid and dumb because I fell for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
KPRC 2 Investigates Amy Davis has previously reported on Sunrun and similar complaints involving older Houstonians who say they were misled about solar contracts, locked into long-term agreements, or told panels would be \u201cfree\u201d or government funded.<\/p>\n
Consumer advocates say Holt\u2019s experience fits a broader trend.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story that you shared is very common,\u201d said Stephanie Mace with AARP Texas. \u201cThis is happening to everybody – old, young.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to AARP Texas, complaints tied to residential solar fraud and confusion have surged statewide. Complaints to Texas agencies increased by more than 500 percent from 2018 to 2023.<\/p>\n
Mace says one major concern is how contracts are presented.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe use of a tablet is very common, and it\u2019s really challenging to get a full picture of a multi-page contract on a small screen,\u201d Mace said. \u201cPeople need to be able to see the full contract in advance and know what they\u2019re signing.\u201d<\/p>\n
AARP Texas is pushing for stronger consumer protections at the Texas Legislature, including requirements for clearer disclosures, printed contracts, and easier cancellation when homeowners change their minds.<\/p>\n