Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct an allegation by the homeowner that they had not yet signed a contract with HDM Capital, a financing company specializing in solar and battery projects. The Cool Down was able to review documentation to confirm the existence of a signed agreement that matches the other details of the homeowner's claims.
A Texas homeowner said a home battery deal turned into a costly standoff after two Tesla Powerwall 3 units were installed once the owner said they learned the details of an electricity savings plan they thought they could take advantage of was not what they expected.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit post, the homeowner described the project as a battery-only setup involving two Tesla Powerwall 3 units, with no solar panels, tied to People's Choice Solar and HDM Capital. They said they also obtained a separate $34,650 loan from Credit Human.
The homeowner said, "While initial installation paperwork was signed with the installer (PCS), I NEVER signed the required contract with HDM Capital," as part of their belief that they could back out of the project, but The Cool Down was able to confirm with a representative for People's Choice Solar that this is not true. The company furnished evidence of the signed HDM contract, dated Aug. 2, 2026, and a clear series of other signed documents showing the installation was conducted legally and documented at each step. This included the on-site installer confirming in writing with the homeowner over text message that they had already signed the HDM Capital document before beginning the installation work.
The homeowner said their understanding of the sales pitch that convinced them to get the battery storage is that the Powerwall units would enable them to take advantage of a "free nights" electricity strategy and other incentives that later appeared "misleading or unrealistic" to them.
The homeowner said in the Reddit post that the company allegedly said the sale could not be undone at no cost once the equipment was mounted. The homeowner said they refused to sign the final completion certificates after deciding "the numbers and incentives didn't line up" and said the company warned of more than $6,100 in cancellation or restocking fees as well as possible mechanic's liens.
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The homeowner said they responded by asking HDM for written confirmation that no signed contract exists, sending People's Choice Solar and HDM Capital a demand letter seeking removal at no cost, and filing a separate merchant dispute with Credit Human to stop the loan.
However, because the signed contract with HDM does exist, and it stipulated a deadline of nine calendar days after its issuance of July 31 as the deadline for backing out of the agreement (or four business days after its signing, whichever was later), it appears as though the homeowner overlooked this contract term before deciding they wanted to back out.
The actual installation was not initiated until Aug. 30, and it was completed on Sept. 2, according to PCS records, or about a month after they signed the paperwork with both PCS and HDM Capital. The Reddit post was made on Sept. 28.
More background
Home batteries such as Tesla Powerwalls can be powerful tools for lowering utility bills, shifting electricity use to cheaper hours, and keeping the lights on during outages. In the best-case scenario, they can help households save money while making it easier to rely on cleaner energy.
However, complicated financing arrangements can also create openings for abuse. When multiple companies are involved — such as an installer and a lender — it can become much harder for a homeowner to know who is responsible for each promise and each signature.
Many people make these purchases based on projected savings. If those savings are overstated or if key terms remain vague until after equipment is installed, consumers can be left facing debt, legal threats, and potential damage to their credit or property title.
What can be done?
The Reddit discussion focused largely on immediate consumer-protection steps. Several commenters urged the homeowner to seek legal help, while others recommended filing complaints with state authorities and checking whether the salesperson and company were properly registered.
One user said: "File a complaint with the attorney general's office."
Another emphasized the importance of verifying the economics before signing: "Thru Tesla.com 2 PW 3's are $20,000 installed. The scam is PCS not Powerwall." The Cool Down reviewed this claim and found the actual cost would be closer to $25,000. It's also important to note that the HDM Capital agreement includes 10 years of monitoring and maintenance included in the cost, with a capacity guarantee of 60% of original capacity through 10 years.
A user said: "Consider getting a lawyer involved."
Again, though, the post and its replies were all made with the mistaken belief that not all paperwork had been signed.
Where can I learn more?
Disputes over solar and battery projects can quickly turn into legal and financial messes for homeowners. These stories cover similar fights over misleading sales pitches, murky ownership terms, leased systems, and conflicts with homeowners associations.
• In Nevada, a homeowner took legal action after blaming a solar company for damage.
• A homebuyer sought no-nonsense advice after purchasing a house already tied to leased solar panels.
• Homeowners weighed installing panels despite a firm HOA policy and fears of lawsuits.
• A homeowner searched for help after the HOA used shady tactics to block a solar project.
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