Rivers Law Firm, LLC

06/05/2026

Today, a New Jersey jury returned a verdict in favor of my client Michael, against Trinity Solar, Inc. in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Sussex County.

The jury found that Trinity Solar violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and, as a result, my client is going to receive triple damages and mandatory, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs under N.J.S.A. 56:8-19.

This case started on February 9, 2023, when a Trinity Solar sales representative appeared at my client’s door and made a series of written and oral promises about the benefits of solar including hefty federal and state rebates and electric bills of no more than $5 per month. Those promises were not kept. In addition to paying approximately $250 monthly on a loan for solar panels, he also had to pay his electric bills which were much higher than the promised $5 per month.

I fought this case through the trial court, won a reversal in the Appellate Division, and brought it to verdict today.

To every consumer who has been misled by a high-pressure salesperson: the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act exists for you. It provides treble damages. It provides mandatory attorney’s fees. And it holds companies strictly accountable for what their representatives say and do.

Congratulations to my client Michael on a hard-fought, well-deserved victory.

01/22/2025

At Rivers Law Firm, I have extensive experience in representing property owners who have been misled by solar panel companies. I’ve heard countless stories of broken promises and deceptive sales tactics that leave property owners feeling frustrated and trapped.

These promises often include claims like “no energy bills” or “dramatically reduced energy costs,” assurances of a federal 26-30% tax credit to offset system costs, and guarantees that the system won’t harm your property—and if it does, the solar company will fix the damage under warranty. Unfortunately, many of these promises simply don’t hold up.

The federal tax credit is often grossly misrepresented. It only applies to your federal tax liability, which means that if you don’t owe federal taxes—such as if you’re retired or living on disability income—you can’t take advantage of it. This critical detail is often omitted.

I have heard countless stories from property owners that solar panels don't produce enough energy to eliminate or substantially reduce their energy bills and that they are stuck paying for the solar panels each month in addition to paying their energy bills. I also hear reports of property damage that the solar companies refuse to repair despite the damage being caused by the solar panel installation.

Even more troubling, solar panel contracts typically last for 25 years and cost between $25,000 and $95,000, and are notoriously difficult to terminate. Once you’re locked in, it can be nearly impossible to escape without significant consequences.

Before committing to such a long-term agreement, protect yourself. Hire an experienced attorney to review the contract and explain its terms so you fully understand your rights and obligations. At Rivers Law Firm, I’m here to help you navigate these contracts and ensure your best interests are protected.

This news article highlights the types of complaints I encounter on a weekly basis. It's definitely worth watching to stay informed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq1LlDMizc4

09/19/2023

I have helped many homeowners deal with solar panel companies when things go wrong with their systems. If anyone is considering having solar panels installed on their home or business, it is imperative that you know your rights. I came across this helpful article which discusses some of the various things to consider when reviewing the solar panel contract.

In addition to the advice in the article, I strongly believe you should have an attorney review the solar panel contract before you sign, so the attorney can explain the terms to you. Here are only a few examples of issues to consider.

Most leases for solar panels are for a term of 25 years and the contract typically binds your heirs in the event you die before the lease is up. The long term lease may impact your ability to sell your house as some potential purchasers may not want to be bound by a lease you entered into. In addition, if you need a roof replacement during your lease, most of the time, you are responsible for paying the solar panel company for them to remove and reinstall the system. If your new roof comes with a warranty, once you have the panels reinstalled, the new roof warranty is likely voided.

The number one complaint I get from potential clients is water damage as a result of the solar panels, so the duration of the roof pe*******on warranty is important. There are some contracts that provide you with a very short roof pe*******on warranty, such as one year and others that give you up to ten years. Identifying who must pay for the panels to be removed and then reinstalled in the event of a leak is also critical, as the cost can be $2,500 and up. If your roofer takes the panels down, in most cases, you have voided the warranty with the solar panel company.

There are many other things to consider before having solar panels installed. If you need further guidance before entering a solar panel contract, contact an experienced attorney to ensure you know exactly what you are signing up for.

01/23/2023

Please take a moment to make note of our new phone number for Rivers Law Firm LLC. The new phone number is (201) 706-0188.

As always, please feel free to call, text, or email [email protected] for a free consultation!

08/19/2022

August is National Make a Will month!

Making a Last Will and Testament is daunting to many people as it forces to you to think about your own death and you must make decisions that will affect your personal property, real estate, and even your children and grandchildren.

There is no good time to make a will but if you have assets or children you should schedule a time to speak to an attorney about your estate planning needs as soon as possible. Even if your children are adults you may want to withhold any inheritance they receive until they reach a certain age (25, 30, etc). In addition, you may want to create a trust in your will to prevent a person under a certain age from inheriting outright until they are older. The possibilities are endless!

In addition to doing your will, you should consider having a Power of Attorney (POA) and Advance Directive drafted. A POA gives another person the right to act on your behalf either at the time the POA is signed or upon your disability. An Advance Directive is also called a living will. In this document, you will appoint a health proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. Both documents are of paramount importance and should be done at the same time your will is drafted.

Rivers Law Firm LLC provides free estate planning consultations. Consultations can be done virtually via Zoom videoconferencing, over the phone, or in person.

Call, message, or email today to schedule your consultation!

So August is National Make-a-Will Month. Who knew?

11/24/2021

Judge Michael Chagares was recently appointed as Chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He was a fantastic law professor at Seton Hall University School of Law! I will never forget the day he swore me in as an attorney. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. Congratulations to Judge Chagares for the appointment!

10/30/2020

If you drink GT's Living Foods kombucha you may not be aware that it contains over the legal limit of alcohol and more sugar than is listed on the label. Call me today at (201) 744-4321 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

10/23/2020

Most people don't realize that GT's kombucha contains alcohol. This presents a potential health risk for those avoiding alcohol for medical reasons. If you drink GT's kombucha and want to learn more, email me at [email protected] or call me at (201) 744-4321. You may have a legal claim!

10/19/2020

Drinking kombucha may not be as good for you as you thought. Contact Rivers Law Firm if you live in New Jersey and drink GT's kombucha. You may have a legal claim! Call (201) 744-4321 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.

08/28/2020

Is MOLD growing in your child's Contigo brand cup?

If you or someone you know uses Contigo brand cups and have found mold, mildew, or other foreign particles lodged in impossible to clean areas, please contact my office immediately! Email Noel at [email protected] or call (201) 744-4321.