After a landmark lawsuit against a rogue installer, consumer advocates offer a clear guide to safe solar adoption
Solar Power in New York: Big Promise, Real Risks
Rooftop solar has arrived in New York City, and with it a growing number of residents who are interested in reducing their electricity bills, cutting their carbon footprint, and contributing to the city’s renewable energy goals. But a landmark lawsuit filed by New York City in early 2026 against a solar installer called Radiant Solar — first investigated by CBS News New York’s investigative team — has raised urgent questions about how homeowners can protect themselves from unscrupulous contractors in a market that is expanding faster than consumer protections can keep pace.
The Cautionary Tale of Lorna Wynter
Lorna Wynter thought solar panels would free her from climbing electric bills. Instead, she found herself still paying several hundred dollars a month in electricity costs — and saddled with a loan she says she never agreed to. Her story, documented by CBS News New York investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi, stands in stark contrast to that of a friend who lives in the same city, uses the same technology, and pays roughly $20 a month for electricity. The difference, as Wynter discovered, was not the technology. It was the contractor.
What the City’s Consumer Watchdog Says
Samuel Levine, commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, has offered clear guidance for residents considering solar installation. He urges consumers to slow down, resist high-pressure sales tactics, and take the time to understand what they are agreeing to. Key warnings from the DCWP include: be skeptical of claims that solar is free; understand what tax credits you actually qualify for at the federal, state, and city level; shop for your own financing rather than accepting the contractor’s preferred lender; and be aware that contractor-arranged lenders may involve kickbacks.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Solar
Consumers interested in going solar should take several concrete steps before signing anything. First, verify that the installer is licensed with the DCWP. Unlicensed contractors have no legal accountability to the city’s consumer protection system. Second, obtain at least three written quotes. The solar installation market is competitive, and prices vary significantly. Third, read every page of any contract or financing agreement before signing. Fourth, know that New York State law gives you three business days to cancel a contract with no penalty if you have second thoughts. Fifth, if a salesperson shows up at your door with an iPad and tells you the offer expires immediately, treat that as a red flag, not a deadline.
Understanding Tax Credits
Federal, state, and city tax incentives for solar installation can significantly reduce the effective cost of a system — but only if you actually qualify for them. The federal residential clean energy credit currently allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of the cost of a solar installation from their federal income taxes. New York State offers additional credits. However, the value of these credits depends on your tax liability, your income, and whether you own or rent your home. The U.S. Department of Energy’s solar tax credit guide provides detailed information on eligibility and application.
The Bigger Picture: Solar Equity
Rooftop solar adoption in New York City has been concentrated in homeowning communities with sufficient roof space and financial resources to navigate the installation process. Renters and residents of multifamily buildings — the majority of New Yorkers — have historically had fewer options. The NY-Sun program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, is designed to expand solar access across the income spectrum and is worth investigating for residents who believe they may not qualify for traditional rooftop installation. Staying informed, asking hard questions, and refusing to be rushed are the most important consumer protections available when navigating the solar market.
