Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry in the United States, and with that growth comes some challenges. One challenge is the potential for lawsuits.
What is the Solar Energy World lawsuit?
The Solar Energy World (SEW) lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit filed against the company by its former employees. The employees allege that SEW violated federal and state wage and hour laws by failing to pay them overtime.
The lawsuit was filed in 2019 and is still ongoing. In 2020, the court conditionally certified a class of all SEW employees who worked in Maryland and who were not paid overtime between July 2016 and July 2019.
What are the allegations in the lawsuit?
The employees allege that SEW required them to work long hours, often in excess of 60 hours per week, but did not pay them overtime. They also allege that SEW misclassified them as exempt employees, which made them ineligible for overtime pay.
What is the status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is still ongoing. In April 2023, the court denied SEW’s motion to dismiss the case. The court found that the employees had sufficiently pleaded their claims of wage and hour violations.
What are the implications of the lawsuit?
If the employees are successful in their lawsuit, it could have a significant impact on the solar energy industry. SEW is one of the largest solar panel installers in the United States. If the company is found to have violated wage and hour laws, it could set a precedent for other solar companies.
Conclusion
The Solar Energy World lawsuit is a reminder that even in a rapidly growing industry like solar energy, there are still potential legal challenges. Employers in the solar industry should be aware of their obligations under federal and state wage and hour laws.
FAQs
What is overtime pay?
Overtime pay is extra pay that employees must be paid for working more than 40 hours in a week.
Who is exempt from overtime pay?
Certain employees are exempt from overtime pay, such as executives, administrators, and professional employees.
What is the difference between salaried and hourly employees?
Salaried employees are paid a fixed amount of money per week or month, regardless of how many hours they work. Hourly employees are paid a fixed amount of money for each hour they work.
What should I do if I think my employer is not paying me overtime properly?
If you think your employer is not paying you overtime properly, you should file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
References
- Lee v. Solar Energy World, LLC, Casetext: https://casetext.com/case/lee-v-solar-energy-world-llc-1
- Solar Energy World Lawsuit Sets Precedent for Solar Industry, Energy5: https://casetext.com/case/lee-v-solar-energy-world-llc-1
- Solar Energy World Review (2023 Guide) – This Old House: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/solar-alternative-energy/23349427/your-guide-to-home-solar-panels)