AG Tong vows to ‘continue to fight’ for consumers after Vision Solar declares bankruptcy

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that Vision Solar LLC has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, but he vowed to continue fighting on behalf of state residents that complained about the company’s operations.

The New Jersey-based Vision Solar began offering its services in Connecticut as a registered Home Improvement Contractor installing residential solar systems in December 2020. But beginning in August 2021, Tong’s office received complaints that the company’s representatives engaged in predatory sales tactics aimed at of elderly and disabled consumers and offered incorrect information on financing and tax benefits from solar panel installations. The company was also accused of sloppy workmanship that resulted in lower energy generation and completed projects that never obtained the necessary permits needed to connect the solar systems to the grid.

Tong sued Vision Solar last March, alleging the company ran afoul of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, the Home Improvement Act, and other state laws. Other state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission and business partners have also sued Vision Solar.

“Connecticut was the first state to take Vision to court for its deceptive conduct,” Tong said. “We looked forward to taking our case all the way to trial. Unfortunately, Vision collapsed before that could happen. But we will continue to fight for Connecticut consumers and to hold Vision accountable for its illegal and unfair actions.”

Vision filed its petition under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code, meaning the company is shutting down and not seeking to reorganize. It is unlikely that Vision Solar has assets sufficient to cover its debts. Tong’s office stated that consumers consumers who believe Vision owes them money or services and who submit a proof of claim to the bankruptcy court may be entitled to compensation of up to $25,000 from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Home Improvement Guaranty Fund if the bankruptcy is finalized and the consumers are not made whole on their claims.

Tong’s office stated that residents it does not represent individual consumers seeking to sue Vision Solar, adding that these cases should be referred to a private attorney.