EDWARDSVILLE – A Madison County resident is suing over allegedly defective materials in an alternative energy system installed at his home.
Nathan Verning filed the suit April 1 in Madison County Circuit Court against Heartland Alternative Energy LLC and Charles Welegala.
According to the complaint, the defendant advertises itself as having extensive experience with renewable energy systems, including solar and wind. It also provides consulting services and says it can provide expert assistance from planning and development to installation and followup.
In July 2014, Verning claims he was having a house built at 8729 Lower Marine Road in St. Jacob, and he wanted solar and wind power systems installed. He met with Welegala, who is a managing member and agent of Heartland, the suit states.
Verning alleges he relied on the advice of the defendants and purchased a solar system for $21,965 and a wind system for nearly $75,000.
However, Verning claims the systems were defective. Despite refunding the plaintiff some of the monies he paid for the system, the defendant allegedly still owes him money, the suit alleges.
In addition to breach of contract and consumer fraud, the suit also brings counts of common law fraud and breach of implied warranty.
In addition to a trial by jury, the plaintiff seeks an amount in excess of $50,000 for each count plus court costs.
He is represented by Jason D. Johnson of HeplerBroom LLC in Edwardsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-437