Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a legal action against a Tampa-based solar company and its owners for defrauding hundreds of consumers, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans. The investigation into MC Solar and Roofing, as well as its owners, Armando Almirall, Raman Chopra, and Michael Crowder, revealed a series of deceptive practices used to entice consumers into expensive residential solar agreements.
The defendants employed various tactics, including misrepresentations and the use of finance companies, to convince consumers to enter into these agreements. However, once they secured the financing, they failed to complete the installations and even damaged some consumers' homes. Attorney General Moody emphasized the severity of their actions, stating, "MC Solar and its owners scammed hundreds of Floridians, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans."
The civil complaint reveals that MC Solar would market and commit consumers to solar contracts, taking their money without actually installing any solar systems or abandoning the job midway. In cases where installations were completed, the systems did not pass inspection or failed to connect to the electrical grid. The defendants also neglected to respond to consumers' attempts to contact them, leaving many frustrated and unable to reach a resolution. One consumer reportedly spent over seven hours on hold with the company, while others visited the Tampa office only to find the doors locked.
The investigation further uncovered that MC Solar enticed consumers with false promises, such as federal tax incentives and guaranteed 25-year warranties. They also misrepresented financing costs and interest rates, leaving many consumers with costly loans and out-of-pocket expenses to make the systems operational. The company's failure to pay third parties resulted in claims of liens on consumer property. When consumers attempted to cancel their agreements, the defendants responded by hiring an attorney and sending demand letters with increased invoices and attorney fees.
The defendants' actions have violated various Florida statutes, including the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Florida Home Solicitation Sale Act. As a result, the civil action seeks to permanently ban them from engaging in any activities related to the solar business. The action also includes requests for injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties.
Attorney General Moody is determined to hold the defendants accountable and ensure justice for the affected consumers. She stated, "We are taking legal action to permanently ban these scam artists from ever conducting business in Florida again and seeking restitution for consumers."
Consumers who wish to view the civil complaint can find it by clicking here.
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For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-attorney-general-moody-takes-legal-action-against-solar-company-scamming-hundreds