Connecticut court issues $5M ruling against bankrupt solar company

By Niina H. Farah | 10/15/2024 06:29 AM EDT

The decision “sends a clear warning” to solar businesses that are deceptive, Connecticut’s attorney general said.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong speaks in front of microphones.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong (D). Chris Ehrmann/AP

A state court in Connecticut issued a $5 million stipulated judgment Friday against the now-bankrupt renewable energy company Vision Solar, ending a lawsuit challenging its sales practices.

Democratic Attorney General William Tong alleged that Vision Solar engaged in high-pressure sales tactics that pushed customers to purchase rooftop solar arrays they could not afford — in violation of state laws, including the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Since the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last December, it will not be able to pay the judgment against it by the Hartford Superior Court, Tong said in a news release Friday.

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“Vision Solar’s predatory business practices were some of the worst we have seen,” Tong said. “We were looking forward to taking this case all the way to trial. While Vision collapsed before that could happen, today’s judgment sends a clear warning to any remaining solar businesses engaging in this type of abusive, deceptive conduct.”

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