Nevada authorities have arrested Derek Guadalupe Carbajal, the general manager of Lifetime Power Solar Company, on charges of allegedly scamming seniors out of approximately $250,000 for services he never rendered.
Carbajal, 43, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on seven felony counts of theft and a misdemeanor and is detained without bail while scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, May 16.
Margi Grein, the executive officer of the contractors’ board, described the case as “egregious” and revealed that the board sought prosecution assistance from the Office of the Nevada Attorney General. And, while all allegations were not released, the board announced a “new specialized solar investigation unit” addressing such complaints.
The specialized unit aims to collaborate with various entities across Nevada, including prosecutorial agencies, to enhance consumer protections against solar scams, deceptive loans, and aggressive sales tactics. The board has seen an increase in complaints related to solar companies in recent years.
Of particular concern to the Nevada State Contractors Board are the down payments demanded from homeowners before work begins and the utilization of unlawful and predatory sales strategies by licensed and unlicensed contractors. Following an investigation, affected homeowners may be eligible for financial compensation through the Residential Recovery Fund, which provides up to $40,000 per validated claim.
Complaints can be made online at solar@nscb.state.nv.us.
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