Connecticut Solar Fraud: Common Scams & How to Report
Connecticut homeowners lost millions to solar scams. Learn the most common Connecticut solar fraud tactics, your rights under Connecticut consumer protection laws, and where to report.
Connecticut Solar Fraud 2026: Common Scams, Consumer Laws & How to Report
Connecticut has one of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States — over 30 cents/kWh from Eversource and United Illuminating — making solar financially compelling for homeowners. With over 60,000 residential solar installations, strong state incentives including the Connecticut Green Bank's Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP), and aggressive clean energy mandates, Connecticut is a top solar market and a top fraud target.
Connecticut Solar Market at a Glance
| Metric | Connecticut Data |
|---|---|
| Residential installations | 60,000+ statewide |
| Key utilities | Eversource, United Illuminating (UI) |
| Key incentives | CT Green Bank RSIP; net metering; property tax exemption; sales tax exemption |
| Electricity rate | ~33 cents/kWh — highest in continental U.S. |
| AG enforcement | Multiple AG actions against solar companies including Spruce Power, SunStrong, and Bright Planet |
| Fraud hotspots | Fairfield County, Hartford metro, New Haven County |
AG Enforcement Spotlight: Spruce Power, SunStrong, and Bright Planet
Connecticut has been one of the most aggressive states in pursuing solar fraud enforcement:
- Spruce Power: The Connecticut AG's office investigated Spruce Power (formerly Spruce Finance) over alleged deceptive practices related to solar lease and PPA payment escalators, billing disputes, and customer service failures affecting Connecticut homeowners.
- SunStrong: AG actions have targeted SunStrong (the solar lease/PPA management entity) for alleged billing irregularities, unauthorized contract changes, and failure to honor original lease terms for Connecticut customers.
- Bright Planet: The AG pursued Bright Planet Solar over alleged deceptive door-to-door sales practices, including false claims about utility partnerships, inflated savings projections, and misrepresentations about the Connecticut Green Bank RSIP program.
If you have a lease or PPA managed by Spruce Power or SunStrong, or if Bright Planet installed your system, the AG's office may have information relevant to your rights.
Top 3 Solar Scam Types in Connecticut
1. Eversource/UI "Rate Elimination" False Promises
With the nation's highest continental U.S. electricity rates, scammers promise to "eliminate your Eversource bill entirely." In reality, even with a properly sized solar system, fixed customer charges ($9–$10/month) remain, and net metering credits are applied at the retail rate — which can change with PURA rate cases. The promise is inflated; the disappointment is real.
2. Connecticut Green Bank RSIP "Guaranteed Incentive" Lies
The RSIP program provides declining block incentives that decrease as more solar is installed. Scammers claim they can "lock in" the highest RSIP incentive rate at $0.40+/watt regardless of the current block. In reality, the incentive rate is set by the block in effect when the application is submitted and approved — not by what a salesperson promises.
3. PPA/Lease Escalator Traps with Third-Party Ownership
Connecticut's post-installation service problems are significant. PPAs and leases sold with low introductory rates escalate at 2.9% or more annually, and when the original installer goes out of business or sells the portfolio to entities like Spruce Power or SunStrong, homeowners face unresponsive customer service, billing disputes, and difficulty exiting the contract.
Your Rights Under Connecticut Law
Connecticut protects homeowners through the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-110a).
| Protection | Detail |
|---|---|
| Statute of limitations | 3 years from occurrence |
| Damages | Actual damages; punitive damages; attorney fees |
| Door-to-door cancellation | 3 business days (FTC rule + Connecticut Home Solicitation Sales Act) |
| CT contractor licensing | HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) registration required; electrical license required |
| CUTPA sweep | The AG has broad enforcement powers and has actively pursued solar companies |
Connecticut Reporting Agencies
| Agency | Contact | What to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Attorney General (William Tong) | portal.ct.gov/ag / 1-860-808-5400 | CUTPA violations, Spruce Power/SunStrong/Bright Planet complaints |
| Connecticut PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) | portal.ct.gov/pura | Eversource/UI complaints |
| Connecticut DCP (Department of Consumer Protection) | portal.ct.gov/dcp | HIC registration, contractor complaints |
| FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Interstate fraud |
| CFPB | consumerfinance.gov/complaint | Financing complaints |
Red Flags for Connecticut Homeowners
- "Eliminate your Eversource/UI bill entirely" — fixed charges remain
- A specific RSIP incentive rate is "guaranteed" — verify with CT Green Bank
- PPA/lease escalator buried in fine print — demand to see the escalator clause
- Your lease is managed by Spruce Power or SunStrong and you're experiencing billing issues — join the AG inquiry
- No HIC registration number or electrical license — verify at portal.ct.gov/dcp
What to Do Next
- If Spruce Power, SunStrong, or Bright Planet is involved: Contact the Connecticut AG's office to determine if your situation is part of an active enforcement action
- Verify RSIP incentive: Check the Green Bank's website for current incentive block rates — don't rely on a salesperson's claim
- Check HIC registration: Every Connecticut home improvement contractor must register with DCP. Verify at elicense.ct.gov.
- Read the escalator clause: If signing a PPA or lease, identify the annual escalator rate and calculate what your payment will be in year 10 and year 20
- File a CUTPA complaint: Connecticut's AG has demonstrated willingness to take on major solar financiers — use that leverage
FAQ
What is the Connecticut AG doing about Spruce Power and SunStrong?
AG William Tong's office has pursued investigations and enforcement actions related to Spruce Power's and SunStrong's management of solar leases and PPAs in Connecticut, focusing on billing disputes, unauthorized contract changes, and escalator enforcement. If you have a lease managed by either entity, the AG's office may want to hear from you.
Is Bright Planet Solar still operating in Connecticut?
Following AG enforcement actions over deceptive sales practices, Bright Planet's operations and license status should be verified through the Connecticut DCP. If you were a Bright Planet customer and believe you were misled, contact the AG's Consumer Protection Division.
How do Connecticut's RSIP incentives actually work?
The Residential Solar Investment Program, administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, provides a declining block incentive that pays per watt installed. The incentive rate depends on the block in effect when your application is approved. As blocks fill, the rate decreases. No installer can "guarantee" a specific rate.
What should I do if my solar lease was sold to a different company?
Under Connecticut law, the new company (like Spruce Power or SunStrong) generally must honor the original contract terms. If you're experiencing billing changes, unresponsive customer service, or unauthorized modifications, file complaints with both the CT AG and PURA. Document every communication.
Connecticut's high electricity rates make solar appealing — and the AG's active enforcement against companies like Spruce Power, SunStrong, and Bright Planet shows that homeowners have powerful allies in fighting back.