NYC Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Solar Installer Accused of Fraud

Radiant Solar and owner William James Bushell face allegations of misleading customers into expensive solar deals that failed to deliver promised savings.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

One year after a CBS News New York investigation, the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has filed a landmark lawsuit against Radiant Solar and its owner, William James Bushell. The lawsuit alleges the company steered clients into expensive solar deals that did not provide the promised cost savings, with hundreds of homeowners claiming they were misled.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about deceptive practices in the solar installation industry, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. The lawsuit aims to recoup money for victims and address issues that have impacted homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes, who trusted Radiant Solar to provide affordable and reliable solar power.

The details

The city alleges Radiant Solar and Bushell misled clients about the costs and savings of their solar installations. Several homeowners, including Arthur Klein, Erold Williams, and Lorna Wynter, have come forward with stories of shoddy workmanship, unexpected costs, and solar systems that failed to deliver the promised benefits. The lawsuit seeks to recover funds for affected customers and hold the company accountable.

  • In 2024, the owner of Radiant Solar's then-attorney accused one homeowner of "peddling his lies to CBS".
  • In 2021, Arthur Klein watched Radiant Solar's crew install solar panels on his home in the wrong direction.
  • In 2024, Erold Williams told CBS News New York that Radiant Solar drilled into his roof after he asked them not to, leading to a ceiling collapse.

The players

Radiant Solar

A local solar installer company that is the subject of a landmark lawsuit filed by New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

William James Bushell

The owner of Radiant Solar, who is accused of steering clients into expensive solar deals that failed to deliver promised savings.

Samuel Levine

The Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, which filed the lawsuit against Radiant Solar.

Arthur Klein

A Queens homeowner with decades of construction experience who watched Radiant Solar's crew install solar panels on his home in the wrong direction in 2021.

Erold Williams

A Bronx homeowner who said Radiant Solar drilled into his roof after he asked them not to, leading to a ceiling collapse in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We know that CBS has done really groundbreaking work in identifying this fraud and bringing it to the department's attention. When I came into this job, one of the commitments I made to the mayor and the people of the city is that we were going to take companies to court if they were ripping off New Yorkers. That's exactly what we're doing with Radiant Solar.”

— Samuel Levine, Commissioner, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (CBS News New York)

“While our clients take the allegations seriously, they dispute the allegations, many of which are from years ago. While no longer in operation, Radiant Solar served its customers throughout New York City guided by a commitment to quality, transparency, and consumer protection.”

— Andrew Lustigman, Attorney for Radiant Solar (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The lawsuit aims to recover funds for affected customers and hold Radiant Solar and its owner accountable for the alleged deceptive practices. The outcome of the case could have broader implications for regulation and oversight of the solar installation industry in New York City.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger consumer protections and transparency in the rapidly growing solar power industry. Homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes, must be able to trust that solar installers are providing accurate information and delivering on promised cost savings.