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This business has 2 alerts.

Government Action: BBB reports on known government actions involving business’ marketplace conduct:

CT AG files a lawsuit against Vision Solar

The following describes a pending government action that has been formally brought by a government agency but has not yet been resolved. We are providing a summary of the governments allegations, which have not yet been proven.

March 16,2023 - Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced the filing of a lawsuit against Vision Solar, LLC following more than a dozen consumer complaints regarding predatory high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations about financing and tax credits, and unpermitted work that left homeowners saddled with nonfunctioning systems and unaffordable loans.

Vision Solar began offering its services as a registered Home Improvement Contractor installing residential solar systems in December 2020. Since August 2021, the Office of the Attorney General has received 14 complaints. The complaints include reports that Vision representatives took advantage of elderly and disabled consumers, including pressuring them into signing contracts they were not fully able to read or understand. The Office learned that in one instance, a Vision salesperson selectively dealt only with an intellectually disabled individual despite knowing the other owner would not permit the solar installation. Other consumers complained that Vision completed work without applying for or obtaining necessary permits, leaving consumers with unusable systems that could not be connected to the grid.

Other complaints indicated that Vision altered the scope of work without consent, placing panels in unauthorized places that resulted in lower energy generation. Others stated that Vision overstated tax benefits, claiming that owners would receive federal tax credits despite knowing their income was too low to meaningfully benefit. Vision may also have applied for at least some of its town electrical permits falsely using the credentials of a licensed electrician no longer employed with Vision, and may have completed work on some solar systems without an appropriately licensed electrician.

The cost of affected consumers’ solar installation projects, which can include roof replacement, may be as high as $95,000. Given the high cost of solar panel installation, the complainants entered multiyear financing arrangements with third-party lenders selected and suggested by Vision. In some instances, Vision may have misrepresented consumers’ income to falsely qualify for financing.

Vision’s egregious misconduct likely violates both the Home Improvement Act and Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Today’s action seeks restitution for consumers, disgorgement of profits gained through the company’s unfair and deceptive acts, civil penalties, and injunctive relief blocking Vision from further illegal conduct.

 

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Bankruptcy

On 12/28/2023, the business filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (Liquidation) of the federal Bankruptcy Act, case# 23-21939-JNP. Those with monetary claims against the business are advised to obtain a Proof of Claim form by writing to Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey, Camden Office 401 Market Street Camden NJ 08101-2067 for resubmission to that court. The case number should be entered on the form.

Important Information

Additional Info

Regarding the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed by the company, the court posted this note:

No property appears to be available to pay creditors. Therefore, please do not file a proof of claim now.
If it later appears that assets are available to pay creditors, the clerk will send you another notice telling you
that you may file a proof of claim and stating the deadline.

Government Actions

Settlement Agreement

The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, sued Vision Solar LLC and one of its lead generators, Solar Xchange LLC, and its owner Mark Getts, for violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Federal Telephone Solicitation Rule, the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act, and the Arizona Telephone Solicitations Act in connection with unlawful telemarketing sales calls and misrepremisrepresentations relating to the sale and installation of residential solar panels in Arizona and beyond.

Vision Solar is a residential solar installation company that sells solar panels and installation services directly to consumers, mostly through in-person sales presentations at consumers’ homes. According to the complaint, Vision Solar violated state and federal law by making false, misleading, or unsubstantiated statements about, among other things, energy savings consumers could realize, available tax rebates and incentives, that the monthly payment for solar panels would replace consumers’ current electric bill, and that consumers would begin to realize savings immediately. In reality, the complaint alleges, many Vision Solar consumers waited months to get their solar panels installed and operational, while they had to make monthly payments for both the finance charge for the non-operational solar panels and their existing utility bill for electricity.
 
In addition, the complaint alleges that Vision Solar’s telemarketers at times falsely claimed to be affiliated with a utility company or government agency. According to the complaint, Vision Solar’s telemarketers, including Solar Xchange, also called consumers who are on the Do Not Call Registry.

Solar Xchange and Getts have agreed to settle the claims against them. Pursuant to a settlement agreement resolving the allegations against them, Solar Xchange and Getts will be prohibited from: misrepresenting that they are affiliated with any utility or government agency; making unsubstantiated claims regarding the cost of installing solar panels; and engaging in abusive telemarketing practices. The order also imposes a partially suspended civil penalty of $13.8 million.

Pending Government Action

FL AG COMPLAINT

The following describes a pending government action that has been formally brought by a government agency but has not yet been resolved. We are providing a summary of the governments allegations, which have not yet been proven.

 

TALLAHASSEE, FL Dec 4th, 2023 -Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking legal action against two additional solar companies, Vision Solar and SetUp My Solar, for deceiving Floridians. Today’s legal actions are the result of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division investigations revealing the companies misled consumers about solar panel system installation processes, misrepresented pricing and incentives, and in some cases, caused damage to customers' property. Both of the defendants allegedly violated Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. 

 

Vision Solar sold solar panel systems to hundreds of consumers, allegedly promising certain solar-energy benefits and fast timelines for project completion. Consumers instead reported experiencing extensive delays, damage, and empty promises. The solar company allegedly misled consumers about the solar panel system installation process and relevant incentives or credits. Vision Solar also allegedly failed to successfully complete the permit requirements in setting up consumers' solar grids, resulting in unexpected fines or liens for the customers.

 

The Florida Attorney General’s Office is seeking to permanently enjoin both companies from making unsubstantiated or misleading claims, or engaging in any business practice that misleads consumers about solar panel systems. The actions also seek to recover refunds and other relief for consumers for harms suffered as a result of these practices.

Service Area

• AZ
• FL
• MA
• NJ
• PA