How to Cancel Vivint Solar (SunRun) in 2026 — Lease, PPA, and Loan Options

Vivint Solar was acquired by SunRun in 2020, making it the largest residential solar company in the US. If you want out of your solar contract, the process depends entirely on your agreement type — and it's almost never as simple as "cancel." Here's every option.

Step 1: Identify Your Agreement Type

Check your original paperwork or call SunRun at 1-855-478-6786 to confirm which type you have:

• Solar Lease — you pay a fixed monthly amount to "rent" the panels. SunRun owns the equipment.
• PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) — you pay per kilowatt-hour of electricity the panels produce. SunRun owns the equipment.
• Solar Loan — you financed the purchase. You own the panels (or will when paid off).

Option 1: Buy Out Your Lease or PPA

The most common exit for leases and PPAs:

1. Call SunRun at 1-855-478-6786
2. Request a buyout quote
3. The buyout price is typically the remaining value of your contract — often $10,000-$30,000+
4. Some contracts have a fair market value buyout option that may be cheaper
5. After buyout, you own the panels and can keep using them (or have them removed)

Pro tip: Buyout prices decrease over time as you get further into the contract. If you're 15+ years in, the buyout might be surprisingly affordable.

Option 2: Transfer to a New Homeowner (Selling Your House)

If you're selling your home, the new buyer can take over your solar agreement:

1. Contact SunRun early in the sales process (before listing if possible)
2. The buyer must meet credit requirements to assume the agreement
3. SunRun transfers the lease/PPA to the new homeowner
4. Transfer usually takes 2-4 weeks

Option 3: Panel Removal (Most Expensive)

Having the panels physically removed is the nuclear option:

• You must buy out the contract first (lease/PPA)
• Then pay for panel removal — typically $3,000-$10,000
• Plus roof repair costs — $1,000-$5,000 depending on mounting method
• Total cost: buyout + removal + repair = potentially $15,000-$40,000+

This only makes sense if the panels are damaged, your roof needs replacement, or you're demolishing the structure.

If You Have a Solar Loan

Solar loans are different — you own (or are buying) the panels:

• Pay off the loan balance to own the panels free and clear
• The loan is typically through a third-party lender (Mosaic, GreenSky, Sunlight Financial)
• Check for prepayment penalties — most solar loans don't have them, but verify
• After payoff, you own the panels — keep them, sell them, or remove them
• Panels continue producing electricity regardless of loan status

The 3-Day Right to Cancel (New Contracts Only)

If you just signed a solar contract:

• Federal law gives you a 3-business-day cooling-off period for door-to-door sales
• Some states extend this (California: 3 days, some states: up to 10 days)
• Send written cancellation via certified mail within the window
• This is a full, free cancellation — no penalties
• If panels are already installed, you've likely missed this window

Dealing with Performance Issues Instead of Canceling

If you want out because your system isn't producing enough:

• Production guarantees: Most leases/PPAs include minimum production guarantees — if unmet, SunRun owes you credits
• Equipment issues: Under a lease/PPA, SunRun is responsible for all maintenance and repairs at no cost to you
• Tree growth: If shade from new tree growth reduced production, trimming may solve the problem
• Inverter failures: Common around year 10 — covered under lease/PPA warranty

Contact SunRun (Former Vivint Solar)

• Phone: 1-855-478-6786
• Hours: Monday-Friday 6am-6pm PT, Saturday 8am-5pm PT
• Online: sunrun.com/support
• Have your contract number and property address ready
• Ask for a written buyout quote — don't accept verbal numbers

Is It Actually Worth Canceling?

Before paying thousands to exit, consider the math:

• Monthly cost vs utility bill: If your lease/PPA payment is less than what you'd pay for electricity, the panels are still saving you money
• Remaining term: A buyout at year 18 of a 20-year contract may not be worth it
• Home value: Solar panels can increase property value by 3-4% according to Zillow
• Utility rate increases: Electricity prices typically rise 2-3% per year — your solar rate is locked