October 11, 2018

Tesla Energy Solutions (fka Solar City) and its accounting firm, Novogradac & Company LLP, have agreed to pay a combined $13 million to settle claims that it defrauded the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) in seeking to receive a higher tax credit for commercial solar projects built in the state. According to Oregon DOJ’s press release, SolarCity submitted fraudulent applications to ODOE certifying that its solar projects had cost it $36.7 million. Novogradac then submitted fraudulent reports certifying the same, which allowed SolarCity to receive more than $10 million in tax credits, and which it then used to fund 14 other solar projects, including 6 with the Oregon University System. However, subsequent investigation revealed that the actual cost had been inflated by more than 100%. OR AG

Tagged in: Environmental Fraud,