press release
March 16, 2023
Attorney General Tong sues Vision Solar for unfair and deceptive sales and violations of the Home Improvement Act
(Hartford, Conn.) – Attorney General William Tong today filed more than a dozen consumer complaints regarding predatory high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations about financing and tax credits, and unauthorized labor leaving homeowners. In response, the company announced the filing of a lawsuit against Vision Solar. They have a broken system and loans they can't pay.
“We have investigated numerous complaints about sales tactics in the high-voltage solar industry, but Vision Solar's predatory conduct is the most egregious we have seen to date. Vision Solar preyed on low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners, forcing them into taking out loans they could not afford to purchase solar panels that, in some cases, were never activated. Their egregious misconduct appears to violate multiple laws, and we intend to hold them accountable. Our lawsuit seeks the return of money to Vision customers, as well as penalties and court orders to stop Vision from engaging in these unfair and deceptive practices.” Attorney General Tong said.
Vision Solar began offering its services as a registered home improvement contractor installing residential solar power systems in December 2020. Since August 2021, the Attorney General's Office has received 14 complaints. The complaints include reports that Vision representatives took advantage of elderly and disabled consumers, pressuring them to sign contracts that they could not fully read or understand. The Office found that there were instances in which Vision sales representatives selectively accommodated only intellectually disabled people, despite knowing that other owners would not allow solar installations. Other consumers complained that Vision completed work without applying for or obtaining the necessary permits, leaving consumers with unusable systems that could not be connected to the power grid.
Other complaints indicated that Vision changed the scope of work without consent and installed panels in unauthorized locations, resulting in lower energy production. Others alleged that Vision overstated tax benefits by claiming owners were eligible for federal tax credits despite knowing their incomes were too low to receive any meaningful benefits. Vision may also have applied for at least some of the town's electrical permits by falsely representing the credentials of a licensed electrician who is no longer employed by Vision, and may have completed work on some solar systems without a properly licensed electrician.
The cost of a solar installation project for affected consumers, which may include roof replacement, can reach $95,000. Given the high cost of installing solar panels, the plaintiffs entered into a multi-year financing agreement with a third-party financier selected and proposed by Vision. In some cases, Vision may have misrepresented a consumer's income to misrepresent their loan eligibility.
Vision's gross misconduct likely violates both the Home Improvement Act and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Today's lawsuit seeks restitution to consumers, deprivation of profits earned through Vision's unfair and deceptive practices, civil penalties, and injunctive relief to prevent Vision from engaging in further illegal conduct.
Last year, the Attorney General's Office and the Department of Consumer Protection announced a similar investigation and enforcement action against Solar Wolf Energy for failing to complete or even start promised work. Solar Wolf is currently barred from doing business in Connecticut as a result of the ongoing investigation and has since filed for bankruptcy.
Assistant Attorney General Joe Gasser and Attorney General Lauren Vidra, Legal Investigator Kayleigh Ribeiro, Paralegal Specialist Casey Ryback, and Deputy Attorney General Mike Wertheimer, Director of the Consumer Protection Division, investigated the matter. He is assisting the Attorney General.
The Attorney General's Office and the Department of Consumer Protection previously released guidance on rooftop solar.
“Residential solar power can help lower electricity bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels to power the grid, but consumers should proceed with caution. Purchase and lease agreements are often long-term, complex, and can be expensive. Energy bill savings vary from household to household, depending on many factors. Attorney General Tong said: “Electricity bills are high and we are all looking for ways to save money, but consumers should never feel pressured into solar contracts or other large home projects.”
What do you need to know about rooftop solar?
• Not all homes are equally suitable for solar power. The size of your roof, the orientation of your home, the amount of sunlight, and your home's energy needs are all important factors to consider. Your solar company may ask about cutting down trees to increase the amount of sunlight, but this comes at an additional cost.
• Some roofs may require reinforcement or replacement before solar installation. This is another cost that solar companies typically don't pay. Also, if roofing work is required during the life of the system, homeowners may have to pay to have the panels removed.
• Compare reviews and prices. As with any major purchase, you should shop around by comparing other consumer reviews about solar companies to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
• Know who you are dealing with and make sure they are properly licensed in Connecticut. Many solar companies outsource marketing and installation to third parties, so you may be asked to sign a contract with a different company than you expected.
• Do not enter into any contract with a solar power company under pressure. The Attorney General's Office and the Department of Consumer Protection have received complaints about high-pressure sales tactics by solar companies. Even if the salesperson invites you to sign to “proceed” or “get more information,” don't sign until you fully agree to the solar deal. You shouldn't feel pressured to read the contract right away, let alone read it on the spot on your sales rep's tablet or computer. You can also ask door-to-door salespeople to go out at any time.
• Under Connecticut law, you may cancel a contract at any time up to midnight on the third business day after the transaction.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding residential solar power generation systems.
What is a solar panel system?
A solar power system consists of roof panels and an inverter that converts sunlight into electricity. Installing solar panels can be an intensive process. The system must be professionally designed and installed, licensed and inspected by local authorities, and approved by the utility company. Before installing a solar power system, roof reinforcement or replacement may be required at additional cost to the homeowner.
The same consumer protection rules apply to solar installers and salespeople as they do to other home improvement contractors and salespeople. For more information, please visit his website at the Department of Consumer Protection.
Is residential solar power generation cost-effective?
They have different benefits and costs. Consumers should be wary of solar companies that promise that solar power makes sense for them before carefully analyzing their own situation. Do not base your decision on online calculations or estimates that may be based on data from other parts of the country.
The salesperson emphasizes that electricity costs are high and increase every year. While electricity bills will certainly increase, consumers should be wary of solar companies' promises that a solar power system will guarantee a certain level of savings. You can check your utility's past electricity charges here.
Can I get a solar power generation system for free?
No, there is no such thing as a cost-free solar power system. While some solar installations have no upfront costs, such options require monthly payments, which may not be wise in the long run.
What about tax credits and other incentives?
A 26% federal tax credit will be applied to the cost of solar power systems installed through the end of 2022. This deduction will drop to 22% in 2023 and expire in 2024 unless renewed by Congress. Only the purchaser of the solar power system, not the lessee or her PPA customer, can receive the tax credit, and the purchaser only benefits if he or she is liable to pay federal income taxes. Solar companies may advertise low-cost or “free” solar power programs, which result in tax credits for the solar company, not the homeowner.
Who pays for the solar power system?
• purchase. Consumers can purchase solar panels with cash or take out financing. The consumer owns the system and is typically responsible for maintaining and repairing the system. Only the purchaser can benefit from applicable tax credits.
• Lease. Consumers can lease solar panels by paying a fixed monthly fee in exchange for using them for a set period of time. Similar to leased vehicles, consumers can purchase panels, return panels, or renew the lease at the end of the term. There is no guarantee that your lease will be cheaper than your electricity bill without the panels. You will also incur an electricity bill even if your system does not generate enough power to cover your home's entire energy usage.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). With a PPA, consumers pay a monthly fee based on the amount of electricity they use, rather than owning or leasing the system. The cost per kWh is generally lower than your electricity bill, but it increases over time. As with leasing, there is no guarantee that your monthly payment will be less than your electricity bill, and you will still pay your electricity bill even if your system does not produce enough electricity to cover your home's total energy usage. .
Will I still have to pay my electricity bill from my utility company?
Homes with solar panels are still connected to the power grid. This means that the homeowner will pay for electricity from the utility company unless the system produces enough to cover the energy demand. Residential solar power systems can send energy back to the grid, and depending on the homeowner's arrangement with the utility company of their choice, the utility company may provide credits if the home generates more electricity than the home uses. Offers. Learn more about solar power credits.
Will a solar power system affect the value of my home?
Solar energy companies often claim that solar panels increase the value of your home. There is currently no adequate data to support this claim. Many home buyers don't consider solar panels to be an advantage. Also, a homeowner who has a leased panel or his PPA has a hard time selling his home because the new buyer and company must agree to transfer the lease or her PPA. There may be cases.
Connecticut consumers who believe they have been harmed by a solar company's practices should contact the Attorney General's Office at https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint/ or the Department of Consumer Protection at You must file a complaint. : https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Complaint-Center/Consumers—Complaint Center.
- twitter: @AgWilliamTong
- Facebook: Connecticut Attorney General
Media contact:
elizabeth benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
Consumer inquiries:
860-808-5318
attorney.general@ct.gov
