Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has reached a settlement with a residential solar company accused of using misleading statements and aggressive door-to-door sales tactics with Nebraska consumers.
Hilgers announced Thursday that his office finalized the settlement with Sunburn Construction LLC, which does business as Everlight Solar. The Wisconsin-based company marketed and sold residential solar panels door to door in Nebraska. The Attorney General’s Office alleged Everlight salespeople falsely told some consumers that installing solar panels would reduce or eliminate their electric bills. Salespeople were also accused of making unsupported claims that the panels would increase property values.
In other cases, the Attorney General’s Office said salespeople ignored “no solicitation” signs or refused to leave after homeowners said they were not interested. “Nebraska is a welcoming place for businesses and having a robust competitive market in all industries is critical,” Hilgers said. “However, a healthy marketplace cannot tolerate sales tactics to consumers that depend on making knowingly and intentionally false claims about the products being sold.”
Under the settlement, Everlight agreed to change its sales practices and report its compliance to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office for three years. The company will also pay $200,000 into the State Settlement Cash Fund to cover investigative costs, attorney fees and related expenses. “We are pleased to resolve this suit and to protect Nebraskans from unlawful and intrusive sales techniques,” Hilgers said.