The Texas Attorney General’s Office has launched what it describes as a major initiative to crack down on alleged fraud in the solar panel industry, following a surge of consumer complaints.
The office, led by Ken Paxton, is currently investigating more than 100 complaints involving four companies, including Freedom Forever LLC, over possible violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.
As part of the probe, the companies have been issued Civil Investigation Demands (CIDs), requiring them to turn over key documents such as marketing materials, contracts, warranties, and data showing whether customers actually saved money on their electricity bills. Officials say this is just the beginning of a broader effort to address what they see as widespread deceptive practices in the industry.
The investigation follows the passage of new consumer protection laws aimed at regulating solar sales, which took effect in September. It also builds on earlier reporting that highlighted troubling cases, including that of a Houston woman who said she was locked into a $138,000 contract she did not fully understand. After media scrutiny, her agreement with Freedom Forever was ultimately canceled, though she passed away before learning the outcome.
State officials say the goal of the crackdown is to protect consumers from misleading sales tactics and ensure greater transparency in an industry that has grown rapidly but drawn increasing criticism.