Texas Families Seek Justice Against Sunnova Energy
In a troubling development, nearly a dozen families in Texas are banding together to seek compensation from Sunnova Energy, a Houston-based solar company. The allegations against Sunnova revolve around predatory business practices, particularly targeting vulnerable populations, including the sick and elderly. This situation has raised significant concerns about the ethics of solar energy sales and the responsibilities of companies in this burgeoning industry.
The Allegations
The controversy came to light in February when CBS News Texas I-Team reported a series of complaints against Sunnova. Families accused the company of pressuring them into signing long-term payment plans for solar panels that they could not afford. The reports highlighted a disturbing pattern of behavior, where sales representatives allegedly exploited the circumstances of vulnerable individuals, including those in hospice care or facing significant health challenges.
One of the most poignant stories comes from Terry Blythe, who is now one of the eleven individuals taking Sunnova to arbitration. Blythe’s father, Willie Donahoo, was convinced by a door-to-door salesman to sign a $34,000 contract for solar panels, despite the family’s pressing need for home repairs due to foundation and plumbing issues. Blythe expressed her frustration, stating, "The last thing they needed were solar panels. But that’s what they were sold with the promise of, ‘You’ll save money and you’ll never have to pay anything.’"
The Fine Print
The contract signed by the Donahoos contained a troubling lack of transparency. While it advertised no upfront costs, the total expenses were buried deep within the 18-page document. Furthermore, the contract did not guarantee any savings on electricity bills, a critical point that many customers were unaware of when they signed.
Sunnova’s response to the I-Team indicated that they could not discuss specific customer issues but claimed that Donahoo’s situation had been resolved. However, Blythe contends that the company did nothing to assist her family, forcing them to reduce the sale price of their home by over $30,000 to accommodate the value of the Sunnova contract.
A Collective Response
Blythe’s experience is not an isolated case. Cynthia Hampton, another resident featured in the I-Team’s report, believes her late father was similarly misled into signing a contract while receiving hospice care. After the report aired, Sunnova agreed to cancel Hampton’s contract, but many others were left without resolution.
Determined to find others affected by Sunnova’s practices, Blythe began reaching out to fellow customers. She discovered a community of individuals who felt similarly wronged, including Jay Fannin, who reported higher electricity bills after installing solar panels. Fannin’s attempts to rectify the situation were met with the same response: "You signed a contract."
Legal Action and Challenges
As the group of affected families grew, they sought legal representation. Attorney Mark Alexander has taken on their case, arguing that Sunnova’s practices may violate the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, constituting breach of warranty and fraud. He aims to challenge the company on multiple fronts, highlighting the need for accountability in the solar energy sector.
However, the path to justice is complicated by the arbitration clauses embedded in Sunnova’s contracts. These clauses often prevent customers from pursuing lawsuits, forcing them into a private arbitration process that is typically more favorable to companies. Alexander noted the challenges of navigating arbitration, which can keep disputes under wraps and limit public scrutiny.
Sunnova’s Position
In response to the allegations, Sunnova issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to customer service and the importance of building lasting relationships with clients. They pointed to their customer service ratings, which, according to the I-Team’s findings, are mixed at best. The Better Business Bureau rates Sunnova with a "C," while other review platforms show a range of customer satisfaction levels.
As the situation unfolds, the families involved continue to seek justice and transparency from Sunnova Energy. Their experiences raise critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of solar companies and the need for consumer protection in an industry that is rapidly expanding.
For those considering solar energy investments, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and understand the terms of any contracts before signing. The stories of these Texas families serve as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of entering into long-term financial agreements without fully understanding the implications.