SACRAMENTO— A Kern County man has filed a class action lawsuit against a solar installer company, alleging alleged fraud and unjust enrichment.
Francisco Alaniz, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint Feb. 8 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against Equisolar Inc., alleging violation of the California Translation Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
According to the complaint, in 2015, Equisolar initiated solicitation efforts in person at Alaniz's residence in Wasco, California, to install solar panels. Alaniz, who doesn't speak much English, alleges he and other consumers were forced to enter into contracts that are not drafted in a language known by the consumers. The suit says the contracts failed to include required notices of consumers’ rights.
Alaniz says he wa informed that his energy bill would decrease if his home were installed with solar panels when, in fact, the bill has increased each month with the solar panels.
The plaintiff alleges Equisolar carried a scheme that involves making significant amounts of money from California consumers through false, deceptive and misleading means.
Alaniz seeks trial by jury, injunctive relief, attorney fees, costs of suit, and all other relief the court deems necessary. He is represented by attorney Matthew M. Loker of Kazerouni Law Group APC in Arroyo Grande, California.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California case number 1:18-cv-00205-LJO-JLT