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Hartford Courant, Opinion: The power of the sun, the courts and the need for change

By: Christine Hines, Anneliese Lederer

Even as it brings sweltering heat, we can appreciate the sun as a vast source of clean energy that is essential to combating climate change. It is encouraging that the market for solar power is sizable and expanding exponentially, but as this market grows, we must stop unethical companies from burning consumer rights.

Illegal business tactics used by some companies to sell, install, and finance solar panels to homeowners are a growing problem across the country. This includes companies using deception and fraud to trap consumers into solar panel purchases and unaffordable loans. Consumer complaints have spiked. Since 2020, attorneys general from at least 38 states have sued, investigated or warned consumers about the solar industry; Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong has done all three.

Still, businesses regularly escape accountability by using the fine print of contracts to force harmed consumers into a rigged arbitration system and to prevent them from suing to seek justice in our courts. These contract terms are a “get out of jail free” card for corporate misconduct.

To protect consumers – especially seniors – from abuse, Congress should prohibit forced arbitration in the solar marketplace.

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