Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a new initiative targeting companies that sell solar panel systems, accusing parts of the industry of using deceptive and fraudulent sales practices against Texans.
The attorney general’s office announced that it issued Civil Investigative Demands to multiple companies, including Freedom Forever, Sunrun, Lone Star Solar Services, and CAM Solar.
Paxton’s office said it has received more than 100 complaints tied to those companies, along with thousands more complaints posted online. Investigators are examining possible violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, including alleged misrepresentations about energy-bill savings, solar system performance, equipment installation, and contract terms.
The Civil Investigative Demands require the companies to turn over documents related to how they track customer electricity-bill changes, warranties, service plans, marketing materials, and contract information, according to the attorney general’s office.
“Thousands of Texans have been targeted by companies selling solar panel systems, and it’s imperative that these companies are held responsible for any lies or deceptive marketing they use,” Paxton said. “This initiative to stop widespread fraudulent activity in the solar panel industry is only beginning, and my office will take legal action against any corporations breaking the law and scamming Texans.”
At least one company named in the probe has publicly responded. KPRC reported that Sunrun said it would cooperate with the attorney general’s office and maintained that it follows legal and ethical standards in its sales practices.
The solar initiative marks Paxton’s latest fraud-focused enforcement action. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Paxton recently sued Texas dental providers and marketers over alleged Medicaid fraud involving gift cards and medically unnecessary procedures.