Published on December 10, 2023, 3:05 am

Sunnova Energy Corporation, a leading solar energy company recently granted a $3 billion loan guarantee by the Biden administration, has come under fire for alleged predatory sales tactics towards the elderly. The Houston-based residential and commercial solar energy provider became the recipient of “the single largest commitment ever made by the Federal Government to solar power” as announced on September 28. However, these accusations have forced top Republican leaders in both House and Senate to demand more detailed information about the transaction from the Energy Department.

Strongly worded pleas from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, alongside Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, revolve around concerns that Sunnova may have pressured vulnerable elderly homeowners into signing cumbersome long-term contracts amounting to tens of thousands.

Reports bring to light instances where individuals were burdened with vast contracts signed by their aging parents just before passing who struggled with maintenance issues and allegations of predatory marketing tactics by Sunnova. One woman accused a door-to-door salesman associated with Sunnova for selling her father a $60,000 solar system for his mobile home while he was under hospice care prior to his death.

These accusations aren’t new – some can be traced back to 2019 when complaints surfaced about Sunnova’s misleading customers regarding costs related to solar panel financing and contracts as highlighted by reports released by Puerto Rico’s Energy Bureau. In addition, there were reports from other regions about problems experienced with deceptive sales practices used by Sunova systems.

The gravity of these allegations resides in light of LPO’s (Loan Programs Office) decision
that this program will concentrate primarily on disadvantaged communities. The President’s push for expanded green energy resources under his climate agenda includes $7 billion “Solar for All” competition proposed initially by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

The concerns raised in the letter moved McMorris Rodgers and Barrasso to request the Energy Department provide any documents and information related to their treatment. The deadline to receive this data is set for December 21.

Endeavoring towards transparency, accuracy, and fostering a Christian worldview, it is crucial that real news be trusted news. This breaking news brings further credibility to the importance of journalistic rigor in our society.