HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Texas Attorney General’s Office is launching what it calls a “major initiative to combat widespread fraud” by companies selling solar panel systems.
The AG’s office said they are investigating more than 100 complaints against four companies, including Freedom Forever LLC, which 13 Investigates looked into last year after hearing from concerned viewers.
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The companies are being investigated for violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.
“This initiative to stop widespread fraudulent activity in the solar panel industry is only beginning,” Attorney General Paxton said in a news release.
The four impacted have been sent Civil Investigation Demands, or CIDs.
“The CIDs require the companies to disclose, among other information, documents regarding how they track changes to electricity bills for consumers using their systems to determine savings, warranties, service plans, marketing materials, and contract information,” according to the AG’s Office.
The crackdown comes after legislators passed two consumer protection bills related to the solar industry that took effect in September.
13 Investigates first started looking into consumer concerns with solar panels last June, when 78-year-old Delores Wigal told us she stood to lose her home over a solar contract she said she couldn’t afford and didn’t understand when she signed.
After 13 Investigates reached out to Freedom Forever and the other companies involved in the contract, they decided to cancel Wigal’s $138,000 contract.
“They made a real sucker out of me,” Wigal said.
Wigal died before we could share the news with her that her contract had been canceled.
At the time, a spokesperson for Freedom Forever said they are committed to ethical, transparent solar installations and ensuring all customers are fully informed and that they work closely with their partners to uphold the highest standards of clarity and care.
A spokesperson for Freedom Forever told 13 Investigates it has not received any communications or formal requested related to the AG’s news release and that when it does, it will fully cooperate to address any questions or concerns.
“Freedom Forever is proud to be one of the largest solar installers in Texas, with thousands of positive customer reviews reflecting our commitment to quality and customer service,” the company said in a statement. “Additionally, we wanted to provide additional background that is important for any reporting on this matter to accurately distinguish among the companies and legal entities referenced in the Attorney General’s press release. The press release describes Freedom Forever LLC as doing business as ‘Freedom Solar,’ and we want to ensure there is no confusion, as there are multiple solar companies operating in Texas whose names may be similar or operate under the name ‘Freedom Solar.'”
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