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- Pending Government Action:Government Action: BBB reports on known government actions involving business’ marketplace conduct:MN AG Sues Solar-Panel Sales Companies and Lenders
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.
On 4/26/2022, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that he has filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court against four Utah-based solar-panel sales companies and three company executives for engaging in deceptive and fraudulent practices in marketing and selling residential solar panel systems that cost Minnesota homeowners anywhere from $20,000 to over $55,000. Attorney General Ellison is also suing several lenders that partnered with the solar companies to finance Minnesotans’ purchases and assumed liability for consumers’ claims and defenses.
The lawsuit, filed in Hennepin County District Court, names as defendants the companies Brio Energy LLC (d/b/a Pure Solar Energy and Clean Energy Educators), Bello Solar Energy (f/k/a Total Solar Solutions and Brio Solar Energy LLC), Avolta Power, Inc. (Brio changed its name to Bello, then Avolta as its sales practices came under scrutiny around the country), and Sunny Solar Utah LLC (d/b/a Sunny Renewable Energy); company executives Jared Fager, Michael Kaelin, and Alan Whitaker; and lenders Goodleap LLC (f/k/a Loanpal LLC); Sunlight Financial, LLC; and Corning Credit Union Services Company, LLC.
The lawsuit alleges these companies, individuals, and lenders violated several Minnesota state laws against consumer fraud. Attorney General Ellison is seeking restitution for consumers, civil penalties, the State’s costs, and a declaration that the defendants’ conduct violates state law. The lawsuit also asks the court to order that all prospective and current customers be able to cancel their installation contracts and loans in a reasonable period of time.
Attorney General Ellison urges Minnesota consumers to report their concerns with the solar companies or lenders by submitting a complaint online or by calling the Attorney General’s Office at (651) 296-3353 (Metro), (800) 657-3787 (Greater Minnesota), or (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).
Overview
BBB Accredited Since: 10/21/2019
Years in Business: 11
BBB Accreditation & Rating
About This Business
Business Details
- Local BBB:
- BBB Serving Metropolitan New York
- BBB File Opened:
- 2/25/2019
- Business Started:
- 1/23/2014
- Business Incorporated:
- 1/23/2014
- Type of Entity:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Alternate Names:
- Sunlight Financial, LLC
Licensing information
This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Additional Information
- Business Categories
- Loan Broker, Financing
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