DEFENDERS

Austin-area homeowners among thousands across the country having issues with bankrupt solar energy provider

The KVUE Defenders found that for dozens of Texans, including residents in the Austin area, turning to solar power has only cost them more.

Author: Jenni Lee
Published: 9:09 AM CDT July 14, 2023
Updated: 10:18 PM CDT July 14, 2023

AUSTIN, Texas — Conservationists have long claimed going green will not only help save the environment, but help save customers money on their utility bills. ... But the KVUE Defenders found that for dozens of Texans, including residents in the Austin area, turning to solar power has only cost them much more.

The Defenders were told by some customers that they've been forced to keep paying for solar panels that don't work. Investigative reporter Jenni Lee visited homeowners to see the issues in person.

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{Bastrop homeowner Justin Small} and {southwest Austin residents} the Reyes family are among about 50 Texas consumers who have filed complaints against Pink Energy with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. ... They join thousands of customers in nine other states – North Carolina, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennslyvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia – accusing Pink Energy of deceptive practices and leaving them without working solar installations.

As a result, attorneys general in those states have sent notices to five lenders – [link:As a result, attorneys general in those states have sent notices to five lenders – Dividend Solar Finance, Sunlight Financial, GoodLeap, Solar Mosaic and Cross River Bank – asking them to suspend loan payments. Those lenders include the three involved with Small and the Reyes family.|Dividend Solar Finance], Sunlight Financial, GoodLeap, Solar Mosaic and Cross River Bank – asking them to suspend loan payments. Those lenders include the three involved with Small and the Reyes family.

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If you live in Austin and are considering solar power, Austin Energy has a list of approved providers.

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