Is Solar a Fraud? What Fresno Homeowners Should Know

A lot of Fresno and Clovis homeowners, myself included, are starting to question whether solar still makes sense in 2025. I have 25 paid-off solar panels, and yet my NEM True-Up bill is nearly $9,000. I’ve tried getting answers from my solar company about production, and I can’t get a straight response. On the real estate side, I see another issue: solar leases and PPAs that slow down home sales, confuse buyers, and create unexpected costs. So it’s fair to ask: is solar broken, or just misunderstood?

Is Solar a Scam or Is the System the Problem?

The panels themselves aren’t the issue. They do produce electricity.

But homeowners are running into problems because of:

1. NEM 3.0 and skyrocketing PG&E rates

Export credits are much lower now, so even with solar, True-Up bills can be high.

2. Complicated Leases And PPAs

These long-term contracts aren’t always bad, but they’re often misunderstood — and they can be difficult to transfer when selling a home.

3. Solar Company Bankruptcies

Many installers have shut down, leaving homeowners without monitoring, warranty support, or customer service.

4. Systems Sized or Explained Poorly

If the system was undersized or usage increased (EV, pool, family changes), savings won’t match what was promised.

Does Solar Still Make Financial Sense?

Sometimes — but it depends on the setup.

Here’s the general rule of thumb most experts point to:

• Owning solar usually gives better long-term financial benefits because you avoid escalators and monthly lease payments.
• Leases and PPAs can still make sense for some homeowners, especially those who can’t afford upfront costs — but they are the most likely to cause issues during resale.

So it’s not that “leases are bad” — it’s that they require more scrutiny, especially if you plan to sell your home down the road.

Before You Install Solar, Ask These Questions

1. Is this ownership, a lease, or a PPA — and what’s the long-term cost?
2. How was the system sized for my actual usage?
3. What will my NEM charges realistically look like?
4. What happens if the company goes out of business?
5. If I sell my home, how hard is it to transfer this contract?
6. Clear answers upfront can prevent a lot of frustration later.

Final Thoughts

Solar isn’t a fraud — but the way it’s marketed, financed, and explained has created a lot of confusion. Even as a homeowner with solar myself, I’m still trying to get answers about production and billing.

If you’re thinking about solar mainly for resale or you’re unsure how your solar setup might affect a future home sale, I can help you understand the real estate side of it… but like many homeowners, I’m learning about the energy side right along with you.

This is a complicated topic — and homeowners deserve clearer information.

I’m Paul Singh — your Fresno/Clovis Realtor and a homeowner dealing with these same questions. Reach out anytime.