Attorney general reaches settlement with NRG Residential Solar Solutions regarding solar energy panel leasing program

The attorney general for New Jersey announced Monday that NRG Residential Solar Solutions has agreed to pay about $69,000 to resolve allegations that it used deceptive sales practices to mislead consumers into leasing solar energy panels, failed to deliver promised energy savings, and made misrepresentations regarding servicing, installation, and financing in violation of  New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act and other consumer protection regulations.

As part of the settlement reached with the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs, NRG will change its policies and practices, and enter binding arbitration to resolve pending complaints from consumers who choose that option, as well as new consumer complaints, for a period of one year. NRG also agreed to offer two consumers who filed complaints with the division the option to have solar panels uninstalled and removed from their home at no cost.  

“New Jersey is committed to an equitable and clean energy future,” said Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. “That includes ensuring that consumers who choose solar energy options get what they pay for.”  

The division opened its investigation after receiving more than 20 consumer complaints alleging that NRG, among other things, failed to deliver promised savings, failed to timely make repairs after damaging roofs of consumer homes during installation, improperly delayed the installation and activation of solar energy systems, and failed to honor provisions in consumer lease agreements.

Under the terms of the consent order, NRG agreed to make changes to its business practices that include: Implementing policies and training for its employees and third-party vendors who perform door-to-door solicitation, including scripts that incorporate all required disclosures concerning any leasing offer; disclosing all pertinent information prior to the lease transaction, providing consumers with adequate time to read agreements, and advising them of the three-day cancellation period; confirming consumer financing before installing a solar system; avoiding damage to a consumer’s home while installing the solar system; clearly disclosing in the lease agreements the term, lease payment amounts for each year including any increases in payment amounts and other applicable fees, and the formula by which to determine costs to the consumer in the event the consumer cancels the lease agreement; honoring consumer cancellation rights in the event of non-compliance with the performance guarantee; and developing an adequate complaint resolution process.

The $68,951 settlement includes $30,000 in civil penalties, $20,197 for investigative costs and attorneys’ fees, and $18,754 in consumer restitution. The consumer restitution will be paid to two consumers who provided documentation of roof repairs needed after the installation of the solar panels and one consumer who leased a solar system that NRG failed to activate.

“False savings claims are serious allegations,” said Sean Neafsey, the deputy director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “This settlement illustrates that we intend to hold companies accountable for what they tell consumers, and they should design their business practices accordingly.”  

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846.