Vivint Solar Contract in California: How to Get Out (2026)

If you signed a Vivint Solar agreement and you're trying to get out, you're not alone — and you may have more leverage than you think.

In February 2026, five California district attorneys reached a $4.3 million settlement with Vivint Solar over misleading sales practices. The allegations: Vivint misrepresented its relationship with local utilities, inflated projected savings, and told customers they could cancel their contracts when they couldn't. Eligible customers who signed PPAs between August 2016 and October 2020 may qualify for restitution.

But what if your contract is newer, or you weren't part of that window? Here's what California homeowners need to know in 2026.

Vivint Solar Is Now Sunrun

Sunrun acquired Vivint Solar in October 2020 for $3.2 billion, making it the largest residential solar company in the U.S. If you have a Vivint agreement, Sunrun now services it. Your monthly statements, customer service calls, and contract terms all run through Sunrun — though the underlying Vivint agreement remains in effect.

This matters for homeowners in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, San Diego, Riverside County, and the Bay Area who signed with Vivint's door-to-door sales teams years ago and now find themselves locked into agreements they didn't fully understand.

What the 2026 Settlement Means for You

The February 2026 settlement applies to California customers who entered into PPAs with Vivint Solar between August 3, 2016 and October 8, 2020. If that's you:

Vivint is required to notify eligible consumers about the $3 million restitution fund
Claims processes and deadlines will be posted on Vivint Solar's and Sunrun's consumer-facing websites
The settlement also included $1.3 million in civil penalties

Sunrun was not a party to the settlement — the action was against Vivint Solar as the original company. But the complaints that fueled the case — misleading utility comparisons, false cancellation promises, aggressive door-to-door tactics in neighborhoods from Fresno to San Bernardino — are the same complaints California homeowners have raised for years.

Your Exit Options If You're Still Stuck

Whether or not you're covered by the settlement, California homeowners with Vivint/Sunrun contracts have several paths out.

1. Check for Misrepresentation If a sales rep told you your bill would be lower, that you were signing up with your utility company, or that you could cancel at any time — and none of that was true — you may have grounds for a consumer protection claim. California's UCL (Unfair Competition Law) and CLRA give regulators and private advocates real tools here. This is the strongest exit route for homeowners who were genuinely misled during the sales process.

2. Buyout You can purchase the remaining contract value from Sunrun and either keep the panels as owned equipment or have them removed. Buyout quotes for 20–25 year agreements vary widely, but for systems with 10+ years remaining, costs often run between $10,000 and $30,000. Request a written quote before making any decisions.

3. Transfer at Home Sale If you're selling a home in Orange County, the San Gabriel Valley, Sacramento, or anywhere else in California, you can transfer the Vivint/Sunrun agreement to the buyer — provided they pass a credit check. This is the most common path for homeowners selling before the lease ends. Buyers with 680+ credit scores typically qualify.

4. Consumer Protection Review If your contract involved misrepresentation, a lien you didn't know about, or terms that were materially different from what you were told, you may be able to pursue cancellation through California consumer protection law — even if you're past the 3-day cooling-off window.

What Not to Do

Don't stop making payments without legal guidance. Even if Vivint/Sunrun misled you, unilateral nonpayment can trigger lien enforcement actions, credit damage, and collections activity. California law gives you real tools — use them properly.

Don't assume the 2026 settlement covers your situation. If you signed after October 2020, you're outside the settlement window. Your options are still real, but they require a different approach.

Get a Free Review

California Solar Exit works with California homeowners who are trapped in Vivint, Sunrun, Tesla, and other solar contracts they can't exit cleanly. We've reviewed contracts across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Fresno, Orange County, and the Central Valley — and we'll tell you whether yours qualifies for cancellation or relief.

Call (213) 579-5156 or book a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vivint Solar still in business? Vivint Solar was acquired by Sunrun in October 2020. If you have a Vivint contract, Sunrun now services it.

Does the 2026 Vivint Solar settlement apply to me? The $4.3M settlement covers California customers who signed PPAs between August 3, 2016 and October 8, 2020. Vivint Solar is required to notify eligible customers with restitution claim instructions and deadlines.

Can I cancel a Vivint Solar contract in California? Depending on your contract type and circumstances, yes. Misrepresentation claims, buyouts, and lease transfers are the most common routes. A free contract review can tell you which applies to your situation.

What happens to my Vivint contract if I sell my home? The agreement can typically be transferred to the buyer, who must pass a credit check with Sunrun. If the buyer won't accept the transfer, you may need to buy out the contract before closing.

What if I was misled by a Vivint door-to-door salesperson? Misrepresentation during the sales process is the strongest legal basis for contract cancellation under California consumer protection law. Document what you were told, pull your original contract, and get a professional review.

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