Attorney General Lawsuit: G3 Solar Lawsuit Targets Sales Tactics, Loan Terms, Tax Credits

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The G3 Solar lawsuit filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost accuses a Utah-based residential solar company of using high-pressure sales tactics and misleading claims that, according to the state, left some Ohio consumers paying more each month — not less — while also taking on decades-long debt.

“This was a galactic misrepresentation of what the company could and should do,” Yost said in announcing the action. “Instead of soaking up the sun, these consumers got burned.”

The complaint, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, names G3 Solar, which sells and installs residential solar systems in Ohio and other states. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution, and civil penalties, alleging violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.

What the State Says G3 Solar Promised Consumers

According to the attorney general’s office, the company’s sales pitch included assurances that a solar system would eliminate or significantly reduce a customer’s electric bill, generate enough electricity to offset utility costs, and qualify for net metering.

But consumers reported those outcomes did not materialize. The state alleges that some systems produced significantly less electricity than what consumers were led to expect, leaving homeowners responsible for both a monthly solar loan payment and their regular utility bill — sometimes resulting in higher total monthly costs.

G3 Solar Lawsuit: Financing Claims and “Voluntary” Payments

A central allegation involves financing structures that consumers say they did not fully understand at signing. The lawsuit alleges G3 Solar connected consumers with lenders offering 20- to 30-year loans and that payments could increase after 18 months unless the consumer made a so-called “voluntary” payment of about 30%. Consumers reported confusion about what the system would truly cost and what would be required to keep payments from rising.

Tax Credit and Eligibility Concerns

The lawsuit also alleges consumers were misled about the availability and use of federal solar tax credits. In particular, the state claims some affected consumers were older adults with little or no earned income, which could mean they were not eligible to claim the credits they were told would reduce the system’s cost.

Warranty and Service Allegations

Beyond sales and financing, the lawsuit alleges persistent customer-service failures, including failure to honor written warranties and failure to respond to service requests. Yost’s office noted that some consumers were allegedly told they had to wait up to a full year before the company would even review system performance.

The Hidden Costs of Solar Panel Removal

Even when a solar installation is working as intended, removal can become an expensive surprise for homeowners who later need roof work, sell the home, or decide they no longer want the system. Removing and reinstalling solar panels can add up quickly because it often involves electrical disconnects, permitting, and labor-intensive removal of racking and wiring.

Homeowners may also face costs for roof repairs, storage, or disposal of components. Furthermore, if the system is financed, homeowners typically remain responsible for the loan balance even after the panels are removed. Experts suggest that consumers should always ask in writing who is responsible for removal costs and how removal might affect existing warranties.

What Consumers Can Do

Ohioans who believe they were wronged by G3 Solar or another business can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515, according to the attorney general’s announcement.