Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court against four solar-panel sales companies and three executives.
Ellison claims that the companies, which have gone by numerous names, and their executives Jared Fager, Michael Kaelin, and Alan Whitaker engaged in deceptive and fraudulent practices while selling and marketing residential solar panel systems throughout the state.
In a press release, Ellison shared that the companies would charge $20,000 to over $55,000 in some cases for the solar panels after tricking consumers into contracts.
Ellison added that several lenders who partnered with the solar companies are also named in the lawsuit as they assumed liability for consumers' claims and defenses.
"These companies, individuals, and lenders violated several Minnesota state laws against consumer fraud," the lawsuit alleges.
Ellison is seeking restitution for consumers, civil penalties, the state's costs, declaration that the defendants' conduct violates state law, and the ability for all prospective and current customers to back out of their contracts and loans.
"My job as Attorney General is to protect Minnesotans from wrongdoing, abuse, and scams. That's especially important at a time when we're trying to help Minnesotans stretch every dollar further," Ellison said in his press release. "I'm suing these companies because they've taken advantage of Minnesotans' good intentions to save some money for their families and create a cleaner environment for everyone."
The attorney general said the companies worked to deceive consumers into thinking they were working with utility companies, but they weren't.
They also are accused of tricking homeowners, who thought they were signing up to get information, into binding contracts.
Ellison shared his thanks to those who came forward and helped share their experiences. He shared that what these companies have done is unacceptable.
"This is a shameful scam that hurt both Minnesota families and legitimate companies in the solar industry," Ellison said.
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