"In Broad Daylight"

INVESTIGATIVE CATEGORY — SHOWCASE certificate of merit

San Antonio Express-News
Contributors: Sara DiNatale, Wesley Ratko, Jessica Phelps, Monte Bach, Sam Owens

11/10/2024

As rooftop solar systems gained popularity across Texas, thousands of homeowners were ripped off by predatory installation companies and loan providers, a San Antonio Express-News investigation found.

The series documented how door-to-door sales teams blitzed neighborhoods, touting nonexistent federal rebates and making false promises of big energy savings, all the while concealing exorbitant sales commissions and lending fees.

They preyed on the elderly, non-English speakers and people with disabilities, signing them up via smartphone for rooftop systems and long-term financing. Thanks to flawed design and shoddy workmanship, many homeowners were saddled with systems that produced little or no power. The paper’s findings stand on more than just anecdotes. Our analysis of more than 1,000 consumer complaints filed with the Texas Attorney General’s Office showed that these problems were pervasive, involving dozens of companies.

Reputable solar companies and trade groups responded to the series by asking the Texas legislature to require licensing and training of salespeople and installers. Rarely in America does an industry beg to be regulated. The Express-News' reporting showed what the alternative looks like.

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Submitted by Marc Duvoisin.