North Texas Solar Panel Company to Pay $8.5M in Fraud Case

A North Texas solar company must pay $8.5 million for importing unsafe panels from China and falsely labeling the items as U.S. made.

The Texas Attorney General's Office on Monday announced the penalties and permanent injunction against 1 SolTech Inc. of Richardson. The company filed for bankruptcy last year amid the 2013 lawsuit.

The company and three executives agreed to stop misrepresentations on origin and certification of solar panels labeled "Made in the USA."

Investigators determined the China-made panels, including some installed at American military bases and airports, represent a fire hazard for not conforming to U.S. safety standards.

American-made materials were required to be used for the taxpayer-funded projects.

The AG's office says 1 SolTech will pay $5.8 million in penalties and legal fees, plus $2.7 million to customers.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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