Houston woman, 78, died fearing she’d lose her home after signing a $138K solar contract she didn’t understand

Posted By: EN Todayon: July 16, 2025In: Renewable Energy News

A 78-year-old Houston woman spent her final days overwhelmed with fear and stress, believing she might lose her home over a solar panel contract she said she didn’t understand.

Delores Wigal, a mother, grandmother and retired school bus driver for children with special needs, had just been placed on hospice after a short battle with cancer. Instead of focusing on her final moments with her, her family was scrambling to cancel a solar panel financing contract that would have cost her more than $138,000 over 25 years, or she’d risk losing her home.

“I’ve got nothing but this house,” Wigal told ABC13 weeks before she died. “It’s just not fair that I worked all my life. They want to take it away from me.”

She died just hours before 13 Investigates aired her story. Two days later, her family got the call: the contract had thankfully been canceled.

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How the homeowner end up with this solar panel contract?

Last October, Wigal signed paperwork presented to her by a salesman from Solar Pros. She was told the solar panels were free as part of a government program and that they would reduce her utility bills. But the contract, financed through the solar panel lender EnFin, obligated her to pay $138,000 over 25 years (that’s just over $5,500 per year) — far more than she could afford on her fixed income.

In March, a lien was placed on her home when the solar system was activated. Wigal’s daughter, Deanna Corbett, told ABC13 that her mother was terrified.

“She died with this burden,” she said. “She kept saying, ‘She’s going to fight for us,’” after speaking with the news team.

After being contacted by 13 Investigates and learning that Wigal was terminally ill, EnFin canceled the contract and promised to remove the lien. The company also said it is investigating the conduct of the sales and installation partners involved in the deal.

Freedom Forever, the company that installed the solar panels, told ABC13 it is working with EnFin on next steps. The company emphasized that it relies on independent dealers, including Solar Pros and said it expects them to meet “high ethical and compliance standards.”

Solar Pros confirmed that the sales rep involved is no longer with the company and reiterated its commitment to “honest guidance” and transparency.

“While we do not discuss individual employment matters out of respect for privacy, we reaffirm our commitment to holding all team members to the highest ethical standards,” said a rep from Solar Pros.

New law aims to protect Texas consumers from misleading solar panel sales practices

Wigal didn’t live to see it, but Texas lawmakers recently passed a bill to limit deceptive solar sales practices.

Starting September 1, solar companies and salespeople in Texas will be barred from using misleading, unfair, or deceptive sales tactics. That includes falsely claiming panels are “free” or misrepresenting government incentives.

The law also aims to do the following:

Prohibit door-to-door solicitation at homes with “No Soliciting” signs
Require registration of solar panel salespeople and retailers with the state
Allow consumers to cancel contracts within five business days with no penalty
Impose higher fines when violations involve Texans over 65

Wigal’s family believes she would have supported the new bill.

“I think her heart would have swelled knowing that this law has been passed, that getting this out in the open, making people realize that this is going on,” Corbett said.

Read more: Americans are ‘revenge saving’ to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Here’s how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash

How to shop for solar panels the right way

Texas isn’t the only state to take action. States like California, New York and Illinois already have consumer protection rules in place for solar panel sales, including cooling-off periods, disclosure requirements and licensing for sales representatives.

Still, the burden often falls on the homeowner to do their due diligence and review any contracts carefully, despite what the verbal agreement may be.

Common signs of solar panel scams include:

claiming the panels are free or ‘government-funded’
pressure tactics to sign a contract quickly (and without adequate time to review terms carefully)
failing to explain how financing will work or the total cost over time.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends several steps to protect yourself when shopping for solar panels:

Get multiple quotes and compare offers from multiple companies
Use only certified installers
Check licenses and contractor credentials with your state or local consumer protection office
Take the time to read cost breakdowns and financing terms thoroughly before signing
Ask for references or reviews from friends and community members
Avoid signing contracts under any pressure

Delores Wigal’s story is a difficult reminder of how complicated and confusing the solar panel buying process can be, especially for vulnerable individuals. If you’re considering solar panels for your home, take your time, ask questions and make sure the company you’re dealing with has a reputation you can verify.