FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has joined four other California prosecutors’ offices in a $4.3 million statewide settlement with Vivint Solar, Inc. and related entities over allegations of misleading sales and marketing practices involving residential solar agreements.
The settlement includes $1.05 million in civil penalties, $250,000 in investigative costs shared among participating agencies, and a $3 million restitution fund for eligible California consumers.
The stipulated judgment, filed in Riverside County Superior Court, resolves claims that Vivint Solar engaged in unfair and deceptive business practices related to solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) sold between Aug. 3, 2016, and Oct. 8, 2020.
While the Fresno DA’s office did not receive direct consumer complaints, it joined the statewide effort due to Vivint Solar’s significant business activity across the Central Valley.
“Consumers deserve honest and transparent information when making major financial decisions about their homes,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “Solar energy can offer real benefits, but companies that rely on misleading or aggressive sales tactics harm families and undermine honest businesses that follow the law. This settlement sends a clear message that deceptive practices will not be tolerated.”
Under the settlement, Vivint Solar is prohibited from:
Misrepresenting relationships with local utility companies.Overstating expected energy savings or cost reductions.Misleading consumers about their ability to cancel agreements.Failing to provide required disclosures or translated contracts when negotiations occur in a language other than English.Accessing consumer credit reports or creating customer accounts without proper authorization.
The $3 million restitution fund will remain available for four years to resolve valid claims from California consumers who entered qualifying agreements during the covered timeframe.
Vivint Solar, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunrun, Inc., is responsible for providing information on eligibility and how to submit claims. Sunrun is not a party to the enforcement action.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Manuel Jimenez handled the case locally, collaborating with the District Attorneys’ Offices of San Diego, Riverside, Alameda, and San Francisco, following complaints filed with the California Contractors State License Board.
The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office maintains a Consumer Protection Unit that investigates and prosecutes unfair, fraudulent, and dishonest business practices. Residents are encouraged to report suspected consumer fraud to ensure appropriate action is taken.