Updated 5/23/24
Countless solar business failures #
Infinity Energy is one of many solar companies that went out of business.
I recently posted the docket for Birrueta v. Infinity Energy, Sunnova in Fresno CA, with Infinity demanding arbitration :
According to posts on Reddit, they filed for bankruptcy:
https://www.reddit.com/r/solar/comments/186wr9b/infinity_energy_has_closed_down_or_gone_bankrupt/
I have been informed lately that they have filed for bankruptcy. I just got off the phone with a CSLB prosecutor who is still moving forward with charges against them, we meet next week to file my formal case. For those of you out there still in the middle of a project or have had a bad project I recommend still moving forward with CSLB complaint. It costs nothing and takes minimal time. If another company buys them out after bankruptcy and the judge grants the customers a judgement it will be linked to any new license they file for. You can also use the judgement in case any new company tries to move forward with pursuing your project. The prosecutor is still looking for customers affected.
Generally, companies do NOT honor judgments against companies they take over after bankruptcy resulting in business closure — why would they?
And I’ve never seen a bankruptcy judge “grant judgments”, it requires separate litigation in civil courts.
Somebody might purchase their equipment, what else is there?
If it’s a bankruptcy to reorganize, the customers might retain rights, or not. Sunnova repeatedly refused to honor claims against companies it took over.
Listing of solar companies that recently went out of business #
https://www.solarinsure.com/the-complete-list-of-solar-bankruptcies-and-business-closures
So many!
The California Contractors State Licensing Board #
Limited assistance for “small” claimes under $10,000:
From https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/filing_a_complaint/Complaint_Against_Licensed_Contractors.aspx
Due to current budget and staffing limits, if mediation attempts are not successful, the contractor does not have a history of repeated acts, and the estimated financial injury is less than $10,000, CSLB may provide you with information about how to pursue financial compensation through small claims court and through the contractor’s license bond. You can find additional information at www.courts.ca.gov. Just click on “Self Help” or check with the clerk of your local small claims court for more about filing an action. A Consumer Guide to Filing a Small Claims Court Construction Claim brochure which will assist you with the process.
Consumers are encouraged to provide CSLB with the results of a small claims court victory or a successful claim against a contractor’s license bond. CSLB has the authority to suspend a contractor’s license if they do not comply with an outstanding civil liability or bond payout.
Checking CSLB license information #
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/LicenseDetail.aspx?LicNum=998627
As of 5/22/24:
“This license is current and active.”
CSLB Infinity Energy complaint info #
Six (6) complaints referred to legal action.
You can click on each complaint for more info:
Now you know why they’re out of business.
The Contractor’s BOND #
General information about bond claims:
https://www.levelset.com/bond-claim/california-bond-claim-faqs/
The California CSLB information on countless bonding companies:
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_requirements.aspx
Infinity Energy:
This license filed a Contractor’s Bond with WESTERN SURETY COMPANY.
Bond Number: 71596658
Bond Amount: $25,000
Effective Date: 01/01/2023
$25K is NOTHING!
I called Western Surety, which is actually CNA, and I spoke to a very nice lady. No hold, no button pushing, no BS and perfect English (the last company to provide that kind of service?)
To file a claim, send email explaining your situation to claims@CNAsurety.com for an initial review. She did not know whether other claims had been filed. So send your email to find out!
