News Summary
Residents in Shreveport, Louisiana, are grappling with a wave of fraudulent solar panel scams involving misleading sales tactics and hidden financial burdens. The Better Business Bureau has reported increased complaints against companies like Green Light Solar, whose aggressive marketing techniques pressured customers into unfavorable contracts. Investigations are underway as local authorities respond to a surge of deception affecting both homeowners and small businesses. Many affected individuals are encouraged to report fraudulent activities to protect themselves and their finances.
Shreveport, Louisiana is facing an alarming wave of fraudulent activity as residents report being targeted by a solar panel scam involving misleading sales tactics and hidden financial burdens. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has documented a surge of complaints regarding these dubious practices, prompting local authorities to investigate.
Reports indicate that up to 60 small businesses in Louisiana have fallen victim to similar scams over the past year. One local business owner reported a scam involving a phone call from a person falsely claiming that her electricity service was at risk of disconnection due to new deposit requirements. This resident, who has been a customer of SWEPCO for 40 years, quickly confirmed with the utility company that the call was a scam. This incident exemplifies the alarming techniques employed by scammers targeting both homeowners and small businesses.
Amidst these troubling developments, residents of Shreveport and neighboring Bossier City have voiced concerns about aggressive sales tactics employed by Green Light Solar, a Houston-based solar installation company. Customers have reported encountering confusing sales pitches that pressure them into signing contracts for solar installations without comprehensive information on the terms or financial responsibilities associated with such agreements. Misleading claims suggested that customers would face no further SWEPCO charges after solar panel installation, a promise that has proven to be untrue for many.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division is conducting a formal investigation into the practices of Green Light Solar in response to numerous complaints from residents. Homeowners have expressed frustration after realizing they were misled regarding the financial implications of solar installations. Some have reported being granted loans as high as $40,000 through convoluted contracts with both Green Light Solar and Spartan Solar, leaving many in precarious financial positions.
In recent months, there has been a notable increase in solar installation permits pulled by Green Light Solar in Caddo Parish. The sheer volume of new permits raises concerns about the validity of the operations carried out by the company, as many complaints point to misrepresentations regarding affiliations with SWEPCO and the true nature of solar energy promises. The BBB has rated both Green Light Solar and Spartan Solar poorly, with Green Light Solar receiving an “F” rating due to a pattern of consumer complaints.
Furthermore, affected residents have reported being assured that they would receive rebates or financial incentives from SWEPCO after installing solar panels, which turned out to be false. This misinformation has compounded the financial hardship for residents who may no longer be able to meet these obligations. Individuals affected by these misleading practices are strongly encouraged to file complaints with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office to report any fraudulent activity encountered.
The situation highlights the importance of critical communication and awareness regarding utility services and home improvement projects. SWEPCO has reiterated that the company never requests personal or financial information over the phone, urging residents to remain vigilant. The recommended course of action for anyone encountering suspicious phone calls is to hang up and verify any information directly through official channels.
As Shreveport navigates this troubling period, residents are urged to take actions to protect themselves against scams and seek clarity when approached with offers of solar energy installations. Reliable information and communication will be key in reversing the trends of deceit and financial burden facing the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Officials Warn Residents of Rising QR Code Scams
Shreveport Community Remembers Local Business Icon
Shreveport Resident Outsmarts Electric Scam
Shreveport Residents Criticize Green Light Solar’s Tactics
Beware of Text Message Scam Targeting Louisiana Travelers
Shreveport Residents on Alert as Phone Scams Resurface
Beware of Scammers! Warnings About Toll and Solar Panel Scams in Shreveport
Holiday Phone Scams Target Shreveport Residents
Additional Resources
- Victoria Advocate
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- News Journal
- Google Search: solar panel scams
- KTBS
- Google Scholar: consumer complaints
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: scams
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
