Rooftop solar has a fraud problem. The industry is working to build back trust

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The rooftop solar business is a big source of consumer complaints. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating sales practices and financing arrangements. Now the solar industry is working to repair its reputation.

. But an emerging problem in the U.S. solar business that installs panels on homes risks slowing the effort to cut the country’s emissions.increased more than 1,000% since 2018. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements. Some customers say they were victims of fraud and forgery.

“We think that having rooftop solar is good for the environment and does save people money. We don't want people deceived, though,” says Adam Welle, a lawyer with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office who is pursuing a case against solar financing companies. “Him sit right here,” says Minto, referring to the salesman and pointing to a chair on his enclosed front porch, “and said, ‘This is your email address and this is your password.’” Minto says he never saw or signed an electronic contract.

“I feel like I'm the one being defrauded. I feel like this is a hustle to try and get money,” Koontz told NPR. He says the case likely will bankrupt his company.Milz says Graysquare Solar didn’t even appear in court to defend itself, “Actions speak louder than words.” “There's not really one place for consumers to complain to,” says Jennifer Bosco, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center. “If they do have a problem with solar companies, they can complain to the Federal Trade Commission. They might complain to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, they might complain to their state AG's office.”

“The complaints we have seen—including forged signatures, impersonations of consumers, non-permitted work, and non-functioning systems—are beyond shocking,” Tong said in a One of the companies, GoodLeap, wrote in a statement to NPR that these fees are used in several industries, including auto financing.

 

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