HARTFORD, Conn. — A Hartford Superior Court judge imposed a $5 million stipulated judgement against Vision Solar on Friday, according to the Office of Attorney General William Tong.
The lawsuit was brought on by Tong’s office over the company’s high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations, delays and unpermitted work. It is now settled.
Tong alleged that Vision Solar violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, the Home Improvement Act and other state laws. The lawsuit says that Vision Solar pressured consumers into loans for solar panels they could not afford. Some were never even activated.
According to the lawsuit, Vision Solar performed work without applying for or acquiring required permits, which left customers with systems that could not be connected to the power grid.
Tong’s office says Vision Solar filed for bankruptcy and is not seeking to reorganize, so it will not have sufficient assets to pay the judgement. Nevertheless, the settlement sets clear expectations for solar companies operating in Connecticut pertaining to accuracy of disclosures, contract protocols, permitting procedures and use of licensed contractors.
Under the settlement, it is prohibited to use tablets and phones to sign contracts, and so is signing contracts on the first day a salesperson visits a resident’s home. The settlement also mandates clear disclosure of the basis for all estimates of solar power generation and future energy costs.
The settlement additionally requires a clear itemization of all services such as roofing and tree removal to be provided. It also prohibits work prior to obtaining necessary permits and says that licensed electricians must be used for electrical work, in accordance with state statute.
Tong says Vision Solar’s predatory business practices were some of the worst he’s ever seen and that his office was looking forward to taking the case all the way to trial.
“While Vision collapsed before that could happen, today’s judgement sends a clear warning to any remaining solar businesses engaging in this type of abusive, deceptive conduct,” Tong said. “We continue to receive complaints regarding numerous solar companies, and our suit against SunRun and its related businesses remains pending.”
Tong promised that his office will continue “fighting for Connecticut consumers to ensure honest, fair practices across the solar industry.”
Tong’s office reminds Vision Solar’s Connecticut customers who believe Vision owes them money or services, and who have timely submitted proof of claim to the bankruptcy court, that they may be entitled to up to $25,000 in compensation from the state Department of Consumer Protection’s Home Improvement Guaranty Fund if the bankruptcy is finalized and they are not made whole on their claims.
The process is ongoing, but consumers with questions about the Guaranty Fund can contact dcp.guarantyfunds@ct.gov.
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According to Tong’s office, the financial portion of the state’s settlement with Vision Solar includes only civil penalties, not restitution, and doesn’t impact any claim a consumer may have made in the bankruptcy court or their right to access the Guaranty Fund.
Furthermore, Vision Solar’s customers are asked to be aware that the company’s bankruptcy filing does not automatically cancel or change customers’ loan or lease agreements with third parties related to Vision Solar systems. Consumers can speak to their financing or leasing company with questions about their systems’ status.
Tong’s office recommends that any Connecticut consumer with questions about their situation and rights against Vision Solar contact a private attorney because the Office of the Attorney General does not represent individual customers and can’t file claims on their behalf.
Connecticut consumers who consider themselves to have been harmed by a solar company’s practices can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General by clicking here, or with DCP here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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