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Find a Location

Sunnova Energy International Inc. has locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

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    ComplaintsforSunnova Energy International Inc.

    Solar Energy Design
    View Business profile
    View Business profile

    Current Alerts For This Business

    Pattern of Complaint:

    Since 2022 to date, The BBB of Greater Houston & South Texas received numerous complaints and customer reviews for Sunnova Energy Corporation exhibiting patterns of complaints and customer reviews. A review of the pattern in 2023 into 2024 was completed which revealed the following patterns:

    Customer's complaints and customer reviews alleged deceptive sales practices, poor customer service and they further report installation and repair technicians do not arrive as scheduled. Customer complaints also alleged delays in diagnosing and repairing under-producing panels or panels that are not operational at all. Some consumer filed complaints stating the company will not schedule panels to be removed for roof replacement even after paying upfront for the service. The BBB has also received complaints alleging the company has failed to transfer lease agreements from the seller of homes to the new purchasers.

    The Company has provided the following response to the pattern language.

    We recognize that along any journey, challenges can arise, and we want to assure you that we are committed to refining and elevating every interaction you have with us. Our dedication to transforming negative experiences into positive ones remains steadfast, and enhancing your experience to provide you peace of mind is at the core of our efforts.

    With this in mind, below are tangible steps our team is taking to address the concerns that have been raised and to provide you with a more exceptional experience:

    Comprehensive Review: We are currently in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of the entire customer journey, spanning from the initial consultation through installation and ongoing support. This evaluation will enable us to pinpoint areas that demand improvement and fine-tuning.

    Investments in Call Centers: We have made strategic investments in customer call centers located in Houston and Puerto Rico. This strategic move enables us to promptly address any issues you might encounter, ensuring a more positive and seamless experience. We are continuously investing in enhancing our customer support mechanisms, making notable progress in providing more accessible and responsive interactions with our specialists.

    Operations and Maintenance Improvement: As a cornerstone of our center-led service network, our Global Control Center works to ensure high system uptime through effective performance monitoring, deficiency detection, and swift issue resolution. Through vigilant monitoring and meticulous quality control, we oversee every step of your journey with us, aiming to provide a positive and hassle-free experience.

    Supply Chain Processes: We are committed to optimizing our supply chain processes. We are establishing warehouses across the country to better equip our service technicians with the tools they need and to ensure sufficient supplies are available for routine maintenance and well in advance of weather-related events.

    Each interaction represents an opportunity for refinement and improvement as we collectively contribute to the sustainable future, we all aspire to create.

     

    Need to file a complaint?

    BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process.

    File a Complaint

    Complaint Details

    Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. See details.

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    Showing all complaints

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    Complaint Status
    Complaint Type
    • Complaint Type:
      Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I'm a victim of deceptive sales by Sunnova. The sales representative assured that my system would qualify for a $2000 visa rewards card promotion to complete the sale and was made to sign the deal. During the process i asked for a written confirmation the my system would be eligible for the promotion, the manager of the sales team assured in the email that i would be eligible for all the marketing promotions but didn't clearly state that my system would be eligible. Now after installation the sunnova team says that my system is not eligible for the promotion as it didn't have the components that needed to be there for the promotion. They have deceived , cheated and forced me into signing the deal saying that i would be eligible for the promotion.

      Business response

      02/02/2024

      Sunnova is working to provide the customer with an amicable solution. The case owner will be in communication to provide the update as soon as possible. 

      Customer response

      02/06/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  Added text messages from sales representative also.

      A person has reached out and informed me that this would be resolved in 24 hours. And it's 2 weeks till now and there has been no resolution.

      Regards,
      ********

       

      Customer response

      02/28/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  

      Sunnova has made false promises during the sales process to make them look like they are the cheaper with the gift card promotion. Gift card was one of the key drivers in signing up with Sunnova when i have lower quotes from other companies. This is deceptive sales practices by Sunnova, I would like some kind of compensation in lieu of the $2000 gift card promotion that was promised.

      Regards,
      ********

       

      Customer response

      03/08/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  

      This is deceptive sales from Sunnova. They deceived me that my system would be eligible for a promotion and come the time now they are saying that it's not eligible. I would like other customers know that this company doesn't have ethics in sales and would make false promises that can't be fulfilled unless they provide me some compensation.

      Regards,
      ********

       

      Business response

      03/20/2024

      Sunnova apologizes for any inconvenience this situation has caused. However, the review was submitted and confirmed that the system did not qualify for the reward card.  
    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      When purchasing our house 3 years ago, we assumed a monthly bill with Sunnova Energy to pay off the solar panels the previous owners installed onto the roof. The contract requires Sunnova to maintain the panels and the solar system we are paying for. Unfortunately the system has not been working since May or 2023 due to a defective part. We have called dozens of times seeking a scheduled repair, as due the contract we must continue to pay for the solar panels as well as pay out of pocket now for energy from our local service provider, straining our budget. We still have no scheduled repair and are now in a situation where we are selling the house. In order to sell the property we must have the new owners sign a new contract with Sunnova, which will prove impossible without a working system. Therefore Sunnova is now causing massive financial hardship due to their lack of activity and service on their system.

      Business response

      01/17/2024

      Sunnova completed the tech visit on **** ***** *********** The tech was able to replace ******************* **** ******************* and Installed cell kit b for the new inverter style. ***** **************** The solar system was left producing and communicating. 

      Customer response

      01/30/2024

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  



       
    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      I purchased a ******* ***** ****** **** ******** ***. about 1.5 year ago and financed the loan through Sunnova which was also supposed to be the company responsible for the system warranty. Over the past year, my solar system has had multiple issues which Sunnova has not fixed after multiple attempts. I have had to call Windmar, who were the installers, and they gracefully repaired the issues for me. Once again, my solay system has been down for almost 3 months and Sunnova has not come out to fix the problem. At the same time, I have to continue paying for a loan on a faulty product.

      Business response

      01/15/2024

      Sunnova has scheduled the open **** ***** ********** for 1/29/2024, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The customer has been provided with the details. 

      Customer response

      01/25/2024

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  



       
    • Complaint Type:
      Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      I am currently in escrow on a home with leased solar panels from Sunnova. Both me and the seller submitted documents for the solar transfer on December 18th, 2023. The single document missing to complete the sale of this home is the *** *********** from the solar company. All they need to do is file online with the Secretary of State’s office and the document will be generated within 24 hours (this timeline was provided by the Sec of State’s office). It is now January 4th, 2024. My rate is set to expire tomorrow. My options are to pay hundreds of dollars to extend the rate or risk losing this home. I have called Sunnova at least 5 times, spoken to a manager, explained the urgency of the situation. I have also emailed multiple times. No one has been able to assist me or provide me with concrete answers. They said the *** *********** is handled by an internal department, with no direct phone number, and with whom they can only send messages to. They said the turnaround time to process solar transfers is 3-5 business days. It has been far more than 5 business days since December 18th. I am at my wit’s end on what to do next. If I am forced to pay to extend my escrow, Sunnova should cover this cost as it is the direct result of their incompetence.

      Business response

      01/15/2024

      Sunnova has completed the Transfer, we are just waiting for confirmation from the customer confirming if any additional assistance is needed. 

      Customer response

      01/24/2024

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution was not satisfactory as I paid several hundred dollars because they produced the document too late. Nonetheless, I am emotionally exhausted from dealing with this company and no longer wish to pursue this matter. Shame on them. 



       
    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I have paid Sunnova to remove a solar panel from my roof in order to fix a large hole in my roof, the hole cannot be repaired or patched with the solar panel in place. I have expressed the urgency of this issue to Sunnova through both phone calls and social media. Every time it rains it leaks into my home causing even more damage. All I have gotten from Sunnova are weekly phone calls asking for my availability, but no actual appointment has been made.

      Business response

      01/11/2024

      Sunnova has completed the service visit on **** ***** *********** The tech was able to replace the inverter ********* * ** **** * *** ************ The tech was also able to remove one panel so the customer could complete repairs to the roof. We will wait for the repairs to be completed to re-install the solar panel. 
    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I have Sunnova solar panel which was installed by ********* (which was later bought out by Sunnova). I have 4 broken solar panels which I was requesting to be replaced by Sunnova, the first email was sent on 11/26/2021 by the name of representative of Clarita from Sunnova. I also requested ****** ***** to help me and spoke with Randy ******* **** ****** **** * ******************** who filed a complaint to ****** to get my four broken panel fixed. I followed up again in March 2022, since I did not get any resolutions. Per Sunnova they will take a look at it, but never did anything in 2022 due to lack of manpower during COVID time. I understood, but going to 2023, there were no resolutions again. So, I contacted Sunnova aggressively because my solar production did not even cover my energy needs due to the 4 broken panels. I even bought the second system from Sunnova because I trusted them to take care of me. Instead of taking care of me, they sent me multiple emails harassing me saying that the panel was not covered, etc. I have the email trails from them. What's worst, they bombarded me with sales calls while they did not even provide any service to my broken panel. This time they assigned Priscilla ********* to help me, but it's been one full month and nothing has been done. ** ****** *** ***********

      Business response

      01/11/2024

      Sunnova is working on the open **** ***** ********** to obtain the 4 damaged solar panels. Sunnova has stopped the payments on the account and will not resume until the solar panels have been replaced. 
    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Opened **** ******** in October to have Sunnova create a work order to move a junction box to a place where I originally agreed on. The box is installed on a stud with wires running over studs and presents an issue to enclose the wall. I agreed to have the box placed between the studs and it was installed on the stud rather between the studs as I was promised. I have followed up and have been told the case is still open. How long can t possibly take to create a work order. I am hopeful that I do not have other issues with this non responsive company down the line.

      Business response

      01/10/2024

      Sunnova has scheduled the open **** ***** ********** for 1/12/2024, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM. The case owner for ************* will be in communication if any changes are needed. 

      Customer response

      01/12/2024

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  

      The crew they sent were very professional and did a very good job.  The relocation was performed in accordance to local codes and the installers sere very neat and cleaned up afterwards.

      The shame is it took this long to realize that this was something that should have been addressed months ago.



       


    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      This company targeted Sr citizens over a specific age as they stated. I'm a single Sr citizen on SS with a mortgage, and the sales rep knew all of this. Didn't stop him from pushing me to sign. It's free to me and will lower my utilities and increase the value of my home and is transferable, blah, blah, blah. At no time did he mention I only had 7 days to cancel. 7 days !! He did say it would take about 3 weeks for me to get an email to sign to get the ball rolling and set the date to get the panels installed. I said that would be perfect cause I would be back from vacation by then. This was at the end of Aug 2023. I would ask about the email. He said not to be so impatient. These things take time. Started making me feel like a nagging old woman, so I stopped asking. Here we are 4 months later. I'm only hearing from them because I've told them I want to cancel due to the fact I've lost faith in them. I'm no longer interested. A couple weeks or so later I think I get an email telling me I can't because my 7 day window expired months ago ! What ?? I knew nothing of this and asked questions. They would tell me to ask if I had questions. Then when I do, they pass me off and told me to talk to my sales rep. He also doesn't respond to my messages. Unless the company says something to him, then he's my best friend !! Now they're threatening to make me pay cancelation fees. First of all I can't afford that . They didn't hold up their end of this deal. I never signed the final contract cause it took 4 months instead of 3 weeks and I didn't know what was going on due to no communication. I just want this to stop and to be left alone. I don't want their solar panels or their shady business practices. Can you please help ??

      Business response

      01/08/2024

      Sunnova has honored the customer's request and canceled the project. The customer has been informed and provided an email confirmation. 

      Customer response

      01/10/2024

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  



       
    • Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I have a house battery installed. My power has gone out due to a storm and the battery is not working. Important things in my home are wired to the battery, including my fridge and furnace, and are not receiving power. I have had to connect an external gas generator to my house to try to power things however those importance things are wired to the battery in such a way that the external generator cannot power them. I have been without power for 3 days, called for support over a dozen times and they have not offered any support, stating that their internal review team would check my system remotely before contacting me. I have told them repeatedly that the remote access is not receiving power and is not able to be used but they don’t listen.

      Business response

      12/30/2023

      Sunnova has completed the tech visit on Work Order **********. Both systems were reviewed and the firmware was updated on both systems. The Operations & Maintenance team will validate the work to confirm all concerns have been addressed. 
    • Complaint Type:
      Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      First time having solar panels, it was doing its job for an entire year until January to March 2023 when the system stopped communicating with Sunnova and thus leading ******** **** to bill me in the amount of approx $1400. The panels have taken care of my electric bill and virtually have paid $0 to NG up until the above mentioned date. I’ve contacted Sunnova for all of 2023 all the way to December in regards to this discrepancy and received the same answer all year about the Internal Billing Department reviewing my case, about receiving a call back, about sending out a technician to check my system and yet all year I’m stuck with this electric bill with no idea how to pay for it.

      Business response

      12/30/2023

      Sunnova has provided the customer with a gesture of $408.76 to the account. The customer requested additional compensation, we have submitted the account for a second review. 

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