HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Texas Attorney General's Office is launching what it calls a "major initiative to combat widespread fraud" by companies selling solar panel systems.
The AG's office said they are investigating more than 100 complaints against four companies, including Freedom Forever LLC, which 13 Investigates looked into last year after hearing from concerned viewers.
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The companies are being investigated for violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.
"This initiative to stop widespread fraudulent activity in the solar panel industry is only beginning," Attorney General Paxton said in a news release.
The four impacted have been sent Civil Investigation Demands, or CIDs.
"The CIDs require the companies to disclose, among other information, documents regarding how they track changes to electricity bills for consumers using their systems to determine savings, warranties, service plans, marketing materials, and contract information," according to the AG's Office.
The crackdown comes after legislators passed two consumer protection bills related to the solar industry that took effect in September.
13 Investigates first started looking into consumer concerns with solar panels last June, when 78-year-old Delores Wigal told us she stood to lose her home over a solar contract she said she couldn't afford and didn't understand when she signed.
After 13 Investigates reached out to Freedom Forever and the other companies involved in the contract, they decided to cancel Wigal's $138,000 contract.
"They made a real sucker out of me," Wigal said.
Wigal died before we could share the news with her that her contract had been canceled.
At the time, a spokesperson for Freedom Forever said they are committed to ethical, transparent solar installations and ensuring all customers are fully informed and that they work closely with their partners to uphold the highest standards of clarity and care.
We reached out to the company again this afternoon for comment about the action from the Attorney General and will update this story with their response.
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