Princeton-Based Solar Co. Pays $69K To Settle Fraud Allegations

PRINCETON, NJ — A Princeton-based solar company has agreed to pay a settlement to resolve allegations of deceptive sales and misrepresentation, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said Monday.

NRG Residential Solar Solutions LLC has agreed to pay $69,000 to resolve allegations that it used deceptive sale practices to mislead consumers into leasing solar energy panels, failed to deliver promised energy savings, and made misrepresentations regarding servicing, installing, and financing in violation of New Jersey’s Consumers Fraud Act, said Grewal.

The settlement includes $30,000 in civil penalties, $20,197 for investigative costs and attorneys’ fees, and $18,754 in consumer restitution.

Compensation will be paid to two consumers who provided documentation of damaged roof after the installation of solar panels, and one consumer who leased a solar system that NRG failed to activate.

As part of the settlement reached with the Division of Consumer Affairs, NRG will also change its policies and practices, and will resolve pending consumer complaints, as well as new consumer complaints for one year, said Grewal.

NRG has also agreed to offer two consumers who filed complaints with the Division the option to have the solar panels uninstalled and removed from their home at no cost.

The Division opened its investigation after receiving more than 20 consumer complaints, said Grewal.

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

“False savings claims are serious allegations,” said Sean Neafsey, 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 to receive a complaint form by mail.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news