Vivint Solar Lawsuit: Key Claims and Current Status
Vivint Solar, a major player in the solar energy industry, has been embroiled in numerous lawsuits in recent years, primarily concerning its sales practices and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These lawsuits raise several prominent claims, including:
Deceptive Marketing and Sales:
- High-Pressure Tactics: Accusations claim Vivint Solar employed aggressive and misleading sales tactics, pressuring homeowners into PPAs without full understanding of the terms.
- Misleading Financial Benefits: Some lawsuits allege Vivint Solar misrepresented potential solar panel savings, leading homeowners to believe they would save more money than they actually did.
- Omission of Material Information: Claims exist that Vivint Solar failed to disclose crucial information about PPAs, such as early termination fees and potential impacts on property values.
Unfair Contractual Terms:
- Excessive Early Termination Fees: Many lawsuits challenge the high early termination fees in Vivint Solar’s PPAs, arguing they are unreasonable and unfair.
- Unilateral Amendment Clauses: Some PPAs include clauses that allow Vivint Solar to unilaterally change terms without homeowner consent.
Impact on Homeowners:
- Financial Hardship: Many homeowners face financial hardship due to the high cost of Vivint Solar’s PPAs, coupled with early termination fees and additional hidden charges.
- Selling Difficulty: The long-term PPAs and potential early termination fees can make it difficult for homeowners to sell their homes, especially if the buyer isn’t interested in taking over the PPA.
Current Legal Status:
- New Mexico Attorney General Settlement: In 2018, the New Mexico Attorney General reached a settlement with Vivint Solar over alleged deceptive marketing practices. The settlement required Vivint Solar to pay $1 million in penalties and modify its sales practices.
- Class Action Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit was filed against Vivint Solar in 2019, alleging unfair business practices related to its PPAs. The lawsuit is ongoing, and a settlement has been proposed.
- Individual Lawsuits: Numerous individual lawsuits have been filed against Vivint Solar by homeowners. These lawsuits are in various stages of litigation.
For Vivint Solar customers who believe they have been harmed by the company’s practices, consulting with a qualified attorney to discuss legal options is highly recommended.
