Salal Credit Union $415,000 Class Action Settlement

New York residents who entered into a solar panel financing agreement with Group Solar USA LLC, received a contract assignment to Salal Credit Union and did not get the full amount of a promised welcome check may be eligible for more than double their unpaid check amount from a class action settlement.

Salal Credit Union agreed to pay $415,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it did not pay certain customers welcome checks as promised.

Who are the class members?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• Group Solar USA LLC provided them a solar panel installation and financing proposal for a residential property in New York.
• They accepted the proposal and entered into a retail installment contract with Group Solar.
• Group Solar assigned their contract to Salal Credit Union.
• As of Dec. 15, 2022, they received welcome checks totaling less than the sum of 12 months’ payments owed to Salal Credit Union under their contract.

The settlement administrator identified potential class members using records from Group Solar and Salal Credit Union. Those who received a notice have preliminary eligibility.

How much can class members receive?

Each eligible class member who does not opt out will receive a pro rata share of the $415,000 settlement fund. The amount each person receives is based on the value of their unpaid welcome check compared to the total unpaid amounts for all class members.

The settlement website estimates class members will receive approximately 241% or more of the amount of their unpaid welcome check.

If funds remain after the first round of payments, the settlement administrator will conduct a second distribution to those who cashed their initial checks provided the average second-round payment is at least $20 after costs.

No claim form needed to receive payment

Class members do not need to file a claim to receive payment. The settlement administrator will automatically mail checks to eligible individuals at the address used for the settlement notice.

Those who need to update their address can do so on the settlement website. They must enter the notice ID and PIN from their settlement notice to log in.

Payout options

• The settlement administrator will mail checks to each eligible class member.
• Class members must cash the check within 120 days or it will become void.
• The settlement administrator will donate any remaining funds after distributions to Empire Justice Center’s Foreclosure Prevention Program.

$415,000 settlement fund breakdown

The $415,000 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: $9,375 (estimated)
• Attorneys' fees: $138,331.95
• Attorneys' expenses: To be determined
• Service award to class representative: $6,000
• Payments to eligible class members: The remainder of the fund

Important dates

• Motion for attorney's fees and costs: Nov. 23, 2025
• Deadline to opt out: Dec. 23, 2025
• Motion for final approval: Jan. 20, 2026
• Fairness hearing: Feb. 12, 2026

When is the Lojewski v. Salal Credit Union payout date?

The settlement administrator will mail payments to class members approximately 40 days after it resoles any appeals and the court grants final approval to the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The lawsuit alleged Salal Credit Union did not pay welcome checks it and/or Group Solar USA promised to customers who financed solar panels. The plaintiffs claimed violations of New York General Business Law §§ 349 and 350 and New York Personal Property Law § 401, as well as unjust enrichment and breach of contract.

Salal Credit Union denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement
3. Key dates
4. Settlement FAQ