Solar UCC lien showing up after system paid off - removal help needed

I already searched the SOS website multiple times and there's definitely no UCC-3 termination showing up. The original UCC-1 from 2022 is the only filing I can find. The solar company keeps giving me the runaround saying their back office will look into it.

Get everything in writing from them. Don't accept phone calls or verbal promises. Email them demanding a copy of the filed UCC-3 termination with the SOS file stamp within 5 business days, and cc your attorney if you have one.

That's exactly what I suspect happened here. Did you have to pay any additional fees for them to file the proper termination?

No, they covered all the filing fees since it was their error. Make sure you don't let them charge you for fixing their mistake. The termination filing is their legal obligation once the debt is satisfied.

I've been tracking UCC filings for solar installations and this happens way too often. The solar companies get their money but don't prioritize the administrative cleanup. Document everything and don't let them delay - your refinancing timeline is at stake.

I tried several name variations but nothing turned up. The original UCC-1 shows my full legal name exactly as it appears on my ID, so I would expect the termination to match.

Actually, I've seen cases where the termination was filed with a completely different debtor name due to clerical errors. Sometimes they use the name from the solar contract instead of the financing agreement. It's worth having someone else search or using a professional service to verify there's truly no termination on file.

That sounds helpful - I'll check that out. At this point I need to be absolutely certain there's no termination filed before I escalate this with the solar company.

I used that same tool last month for a equipment loan UCC lien. It caught a termination that was filed with a slightly different business name that I would never have found manually. Worth trying before assuming the worst about your solar company.

I didn't know I could file my own termination. What kind of proof do I need besides the payoff letter?

You'll need the payoff letter, proof of payment (bank statement or canceled check), and sometimes an affidavit stating the debt was satisfied. Check your state's specific requirements since they vary. Some states require notification to the original secured party before you can self-file.

Be careful with self-filing - some lenders get angry about this even when it's legal. Make sure you've exhausted other options first and document your attempts to get them to file properly.

Great advice for future reference. Unfortunately doesn't help the current situation but definitely something to remember for anyone else financing solar panels.

I wish I had known this when I paid off my solar loan. Luckily my company filed the termination properly, but I never thought to verify it until reading this thread.

Good point about the time cost. I've already been waiting 3 weeks for the solar company to respond. I'll call the SOS office tomorrow morning.

When you call, have your UCC-1 filing number ready. They can pull up the record immediately and tell you definitively if any amendments or terminations are associated with it.

Definitely this. I've seen cases where borrowers recovered thousands in damages when lenders failed to properly release liens after payoff. The interference with your refinancing creates measurable financial harm.

I've been keeping email records but should probably start logging phone calls too. This is getting ridiculous.

This is smart. I learned the hard way that the free SOS search tools aren't always comprehensive. Better to know for sure what you're dealing with.

I'm going to do a professional search first thing Monday. If it confirms no termination was filed, I'm done playing games with this solar company.

BBB complaints work surprisingly well for these types of issues. Companies usually respond within a few days to avoid damage to their rating.

I'd also file with the CFPB if it's a larger solar financing company. They take UCC lien issues seriously since they affect credit and property rights.

This is excellent advice! I hadn't thought about asking the title company for alternative solutions. The payoff affidavit approach sounds like it could get my refi moving while I'm still fighting the solar company. I'll call my loan officer first thing Monday to see if their underwriter would accept this type of documentation. Thanks for the practical workaround suggestion!

That's a really smart approach I hadn't considered. I'm dealing with a similar UCC termination issue and my title company just flat out said no refinancing until the lien is cleared. I'm going to ask them about the payoff affidavit option - having the loan proceed with escrow funds held for the termination filing could save weeks of delays. Do you know if most underwriters are familiar with this type of arrangement, or is it something the title company would need to specifically request?