Las Vegas Solar Company GM Arrested for Alleged Theft of $250,000

The head of a Las Vegas solar company is facing felony theft charges for allegedly swindling customers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars without delivering on promised work. Guadalupe Derek Carbajal, the general manager of Lifetime Solar, has been charged with seven felonies and one misdemeanor count of theft, according to the Nevada State Contractors Board.

The board, along with the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, launched a criminal investigation into Carbajal after receiving numerous complaints from homeowners who claimed they paid for solar installations that were never completed. The investigation led to Carbajal’s arrest this week.

David Behar, deputy executive officer for the Nevada State Contractors Board, expressed concern over the increasing number of solar complaints received by the agency in the past year. In response to the rise in fraudulent activities within the solar industry, the board and the Attorney General’s Office have formed a new solar investigations unit dedicated to combating theft, fraud, abandonment, and unlicensed contractors.

Terry Wike, director of investigations for the Nevada State Contractors Board, highlighted the prevalence of complaints against solar companies for abandoning projects and emphasized the board’s commitment to protecting consumers from such scams. The board suspended Lifetime Solar’s license last year after multiple complaints were filed against the company, ultimately revoking its license and imposing a hefty fine.

Behar stressed the importance of consumer awareness and urged customers to thoroughly research and verify the credentials of solar companies before entering into contracts. The board has also organized consumer workshops and public information campaigns to educate the public on how to avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices.

Victims of licensed contractors who have damaged their homes can seek compensation through the board’s Residential Recovery fund, which provides up to $40,000 in restitution. Individuals with complaints against residential solar companies or unlicensed contractors are encouraged to contact the Nevada State Contractors Board for assistance.

Overall, the case serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to remain vigilant and informed when engaging with solar companies to avoid falling prey to deceptive practices.