In a recent groundbreaking development, Attorney General Tong has brought a major solar company to justice. Hartford Superior Court has levied a $5 million judgment on Vision Solar, an organization accused of misconduct in their business practices. This momentous verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications in the solar industry and the broader consumer landscape.
It was reported that Vision Solar, a previously renowned firm in the industry, was allegedly responsible for pressuring their clients into contracts, misrepresentation of facts, delay of work orders, and execution of unauthorized work. The company’s scandalous business actions were considered among the grimmest Attorney General Tong had ever come across. While Vision Solar declared bankruptcy before the trial was due to take place, the precedent set by the judgment will undoubtedly serve as a deterrent for other solar businesses that may consider engaging in such deceptive practices.
The historical lawsuit pinpointed Vision Solar’s violations of Connecticut’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, Home Improvement Act, and other state regulations. The company’s employees were accused of various instances of persuasion, deception, and unethical practices. For instance, they allegedly pressured consumers into loans for solar panels they could not afford, and significantly, the panels were often not correctly installed or activated. This judgment represents the second successful case Tong has spearheaded against deceptive solar companies within the last two years.
According to the original complaint, Vision Solar representatives often made unsolicited calls to potential clients, setting up in-person sales pitches at the latter’s homes. Instances were reported where representatives overstayed their welcomes or even refused to leave after several hours even after being asked to. It was also alleged that they applied constant pressure on customers to sign agreements on the same day without offering them time for legal consultation.
The deceptive practices were not limited to strong-arming their customers. Representatives were known to mislead their customers into signing contracts by falsely claiming them to be “pre-approval forms” or convincing them they were already in a contract when they, in fact, were not. Additionally, they would often ask for electronic signatures via phone while the respective client was unable to review the contract’s details and withheld copies.
An important aspect of the case was Vision Solar’s practice of misleading its customers concerning the benefits or tax credits they would be entitled to receive. It was found that they resulted in “unreasonable delays” in the delivery and installation of functioning panels; either they completed panel installations without obtaining the necessary permits, or there was a significant delay due to their failure to obtain these permits. The company reps were known to forge signatures to acquire the required permits and operated with an unlicensed staff for electrical work. They often disregarded customer complaints and requests for service.
The fallout from Vision Solar’s misconduct became all too apparent when it was revealed that they had filed for bankruptcy in December 2023 with no possibility of reorganizing their business. They were thus unable to pay the state its $5 million judgment. Despite that, the Attorney General’s Office remained hopeful that this lawsuit will serve as a strong deterrent for other fraudulent solar industry agents.
Following the settlement, clear stipulations were set out for solar companies operating within Connecticut. This included maintaining the accuracy of disclosures, following contract protocols, adhering to permitting procedures, using licensed contractors, and abiding by numerous other regulations designed to protect both the consumers and the integrity of the solar industry.
Attorney General Tong voiced his assurance that his office would continue to hold any shady solar companies accountable in the future. With numerous complaints continuing to surface regarding various solar companies, the battle for consumer rights and fair business practices is as crucial as ever. But as the case of Vision Solar has shown, no misconduct goes unchecked, paving the way for a more transparent and trustworthy solar industry.
