Attorney General Tong Strikes Again: Solar Scams in the Spotlight
HARTFORD, CT – In a twist that would make a seasoned grifter blush, Attorney General William Tong has unveiled his latest legal battle against some of the biggest names in the solar panel industry. SunRun Inc., Bright Planet Solar, and Elevate Solar Solutions are now in the hot seat, accused of deploying tactics so shady, they could provide their own eclipse.
The Great Solar Heist
Imagine signing up for clean energy only to find yourself in a binding contract you never agreed to, with panels that don’t even work. This nightmarish scenario is precisely what SunRun, Bright Planet, and Elevate Solar allegedly orchestrated. Tong’s lawsuit paints a picture of deceit involving forged signatures, consumer impersonation, and installations so non-functional they might as well be props in a bad sci-fi movie.
Impersonation Nation
Dakota Grumet and Sierra Howes, salespeople extraordinaire, are singled out in the complaint. Their repertoire includes impersonating homeowners and slapping on false signatures faster than you can say “identity theft.” One Windsor resident was the proud owner of a 25-year solar lease contract she had explicitly rejected. It seems SunRun decided her rejection was just too inconvenient to respect.
Stafford Springs: Solar Panels, Not Included
In Stafford Springs, another tale of woe unfolded. Grumet and Howes, via Zoom, promised a solar lease without mentioning a sneaky 2.9 percent annual increase. The cherry on top? Forging an electronic signature and failing to provide a contract copy. SunRun, sticking to their modus operandi, installed the panels without permits. Spoiler alert: The panels remain as decorative as Christmas lights in July.
Wethersfield Woes
Wethersfield residents didn’t fare much better. A Bright Planet employee managed to lock in a consumer for a 25-year lease at $106.18 per month. However, the contract, signed electronically, never found its way to the consumer’s mailbox, which is illegal. Predictably, the solar panels were installed without permits and have yet to produce a single watt of energy.
A Pattern Emerges
This lawsuit isn’t Tong’s first rodeo with unscrupulous solar companies. Last year, Solar Wolf Energy faced the music for failing to complete projects, ultimately folding under the pressure. Vision Solar followed suit, tangled in complaints of predatory sales tactics and non-functioning systems. Both companies filed for bankruptcy, proving that karma can be as unforgiving as a summer sun.
Consumer Protection: A Ray of Hope
As solar energy becomes more popular, the importance of ethical business practices has never been clearer. Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli of the Department of Consumer Protection emphasized the critical nature of fair treatment for consumers. Tong’s aggressive stance promises to bring justice to wronged homeowners and clamp down on fraudulent practices.
For those in Connecticut who believe a solar company has duped them, relief is just a complaint form away. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Consumer Protection are ready to hear your grievances and shed some light on the situation.
The Final Word
The lesson is clear in the end: When the sun sets on deceptive practices, justice shines brightest. Stay tuned as Attorney General Tong’s legal crusade continues illuminating the solar industry’s darkest corners.
-JB-
