Attorney General Tong announced a Hartford Superior Court ruling that imposed a $5 million judgment against Vision Solar, a company accused of pressuring customers into contracts, misrepresenting facts, delaying work orders and performing unpermitted work.
“Vision Solar’s predatory business practices were some of the worst we have seen,” said Tong. “We were looking forward to taking this case all the way to trial. While Vision collapsed before that could happen, today’s judgment sends a clear warning to any remaining solar businesses engaging in this type of abusive, deceptive conduct.”
The lawsuit alleged violations of Connecticut’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, Home Improvement Act, and other state laws. It accused Vision employees of deceiving and pressuring customers into loans for solar panels they could not afford, and in many cases, that were never properly installed or activated. Tong first brought a suit against the company in 2023, and the judgment marks his second successful case brought against solar companies accused of shady business practices in the past two years, with a third suit still pending.
The suit’s original complaint accused Vision Solar representatives of making repeated cold calls to people for the purpose of setting up in-person sales pitches, and if homeowners agreed, they would proceed to stay at prospective customers’ houses longer than originally permitted, and in some cases, even refuse to leave several hours after being told to do so. Representatives would frequently pressure customers into same-day signings at these pitches and pressure customers into signing agreements without prior legal consultation.
The suit accused Vision Solar representatives of not only strong-arming customers, but deceiving or outright lying to them as well. Representatives were accused of telling customers that contracts they signed were only “pre-approval forms,” or gaslighting them into thinking they had already entered into contracts when they hadn’t. Representatives also asked for e-signatures over the phone while customers were unable to review what they were signing off on, and failed to provide customers with copies of contracts. The suit even accused Vision Solar reps of using customers’ language barriers or intellectual disabilities to manipulate them into signing contracts.
In some instances, Vision was alleged to have completed panel installations without applying for or obtaining proper permits, leaving customers with panels that could not be connected to the electric grid. In others, Vision was accused of causing “unreasonable delays” in delivering and installing working panels due to failure to obtain permits. Reps were also accused of knowingly deceiving customers as to what benefits or tax credits they may be eligible to receive, forging signatures in an attempt to procure proper permits, using unlicensed staff to perform electrical work, and failing to respond to consumer complaints and requests.
As Vision Solar filed for bankruptcy in December 2023, and will not be reorganizing, it will not be able to pay the state its $5 million judgment. Tong’s statement said that it’s the Attorney General’s Office’s hope that the suit will serve as a warning to other bad actors in the solar industry.
“Today’s settlement sets clear expectations for solar companies operating in Connecticut, including accuracy of disclosures, contract protocols, permitting procedures, and use of licensed contractors,” reads the statement. The settlement additionally prohibits the use of phone and tablet e-signatures, bars signing of contracts on the same day of initial consultation, requires clear disclosure of the methodology of all estimated power generation and energy costs and itemization of all billable services, and prohibits pre-permitted work and use of unlicensed electricians.
Customers who believe they have been wronged by Vision Solar and have submitted proof of claims may be entitled to receive up to $25,000 from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Home Improvement Guaranty Fund if, due to Vision Solar’s bankruptcy, the company is incapable of paying out their claims. Those with questions about the Guaranty Fund are advised to contact dcp.guarantyfunds@ct.gov.
Tong said that the General Attorney’s Office would continue to crack down on shady solar companies in the future.
“We continue to receive complaints regarding numerous solar companies, and our suit against SunRun and its related businesses remains pending,” said Tong. “We’re going to keep fighting for Connecticut consumers to ensure honest, fair practices across the solar industry.”
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Since Vision Solar is bankrupt, how does the Guaranty Fund get their money. Is it through taxpayer money? Maybe the Utility benefits program or our car registration fees? Just wondering.
Why isn’t he prosecuting the Bridgeport voter fraud also? He seems to be tenacious about solar fraud, why not voter fraud. He’d have an open and shut case, they’re on camera…… Why don’t our elections count as much as solar fraud?