News Summary
The New York Public Service Commission has initiated proceedings to revoke the operating license of Attyx, formerly SUNco, due to multiple complaints of fraudulent sales practices in the solar industry. Attyx is under scrutiny for misleading customers about government incentives and has received numerous complaints, prompting an investigation. The company is currently prohibited from enrolling new customers as the PSC reviews Attyx’s business practices, highlighting persistent consumer dissatisfaction in the solar market.
New York City – The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has taken a significant step toward revoking the operating license of Attyx, formerly known as SUNco, due to accusations of fraudulent sales practices in the solar industry. The PSC’s order demands that Attyx provide justification within 30 days as to why it should retain its license in light of numerous complaints and allegations of misleading marketing tactics aimed at homeowners.
Regulators have identified a pattern of “false and misleading” sales pitches that mislead customers into believing they might receive roof replacements at no cost through government incentives. A high volume of customer complaints about Attyx’s practices, including a notable lawsuit filed by Claver Campbell, a homeowner from Queens, has prompted the PSC to take action. Campbell’s lawsuit arises from being lured into a substantial $160,000 loan with unexpectedly steep monthly repayments after responding to a Facebook advertisement concerning solar panel installation.
The PSC’s scrutiny of Attyx reveals that the company has been the subject of ongoing complaints for several years. Reports from the Department of Public Service indicate that Attyx has been under a cloud of consumer complaints since 2021. The commission noted that at least one loan agreement associated with the company mirrors the troubling experience of Campbell, underscoring systemic issues within Attyx’s business operations.
Over 25 complaints regarding various solar companies have been noted, with at least a dozen directly connected to Attyx or its former name, SUNco. The Legal Aid Society, which represents Campbell, continues to receive additional complaints even after the initial lawsuit was filed. As a consequence of the PSC’s order, Attyx is currently prohibited from enrolling new customers while this matter undergoes review—an investigation that could extend over several months.
Attyx’s regulatory challenges are compounded by its previous issues with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which placed the company on probation in 2021 for inadequately informing customers of crucial details before prohibiting it from receiving state subsidies later that same year. Detailed documentation indicating nearly 50 complaints filed against Attyx between 2020 and 2024 has been submitted to NYSERDA for review, highlighting a persistent trend of consumer dissatisfaction with the firm.
In light of these recent developments, Attyx’s General Counsel has stated that the company is reviewing the PSC’s ruling and is committed to addressing any expressed concerns. This latest news arrives within a context of increasing pressure on the solar industry, driven by the impending expiration of federal tax credits for solar systems. Legal experts have expressed concern that such urgency might compel businesses to adopt questionable sales practices in pursuit of quick installations.
The NY Solar Energy Industries Association has voiced support for robust consumer protection measures with respect to deceptive business practices in the solar sector, echoing sentiments shared by advocates for greater transparency and ethical conduct in sales strategies. Further complicating Attyx’s regulatory and legal battles, a 77-year-old Queens resident named Patricia Khan has also come forward with accusations against the company. Khan alleges that a salesperson mis represented the costs associated with solar panel installation and roof repairs, which resulted in unforeseen financial strain.
Attyx has denied the claims made by Khan, asserting that proper procedures were followed in documenting sales conversations and necessary disclosures made throughout the process. The Legal Aid Society has pointed out that deceptive marketing tactics often disproportionately affect senior citizens, emphasizing the vital importance of clear and honest communication in the marketing of solar systems.
As this situation continues to unfold, the PSC’s examination of Attyx’s business practices represents a critical step in addressing ongoing consumer protection concerns in the rapidly evolving solar energy market.
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Additional Resources
- NY’s Focus: SUNco Rooftop Solar Panels
- CBS News: Legal Aid Sues Solar Panel Companies for Fraud
- Moneywise: 77-Year-Old New Yorker Solar Deal
- Wikipedia: Solar Energy
- CBS News: Solar Panel Cost in Queens
- Google Search: Solar Panel Installation Issues
