Solar sellers face home-visit rules, and lenders provide transfer papers

Solar and battery sellers and their sales representatives must follow rules for in-person sales visits at consumers' homes. These rules cover in-person home visits to sell solar panels or battery systems for single-family homes or buildings with two to four homes. Solar systems must be rated at 25 kilowatts or less. More restrictive local rules may limit visiting hours further. A seller and consumer may schedule a meeting outside the allowed hours. Beginning February 15, 2028, sellers and representatives must carry valid identification. They must give the consumer the handbook at the first in-person home visit, or before the consumer signs if there is no such visit. The visiting-hour limits begin February 15, 2027. The identification and handbook rules begin February 15, 2028.

The Department of Consumer Protection must prepare and share a handbook about home sales of solar panels and battery systems. The handbook covers home sales of residential solar panels and battery systems, including in-person sales visits. The department must consult the Office of Consumer Counsel and the solar task force. The handbook must explain how consumers can assess sales claims and describe applicable penalties. The department must develop the handbook by December 31, 2027, and make it available by January 15, 2028.

Solar and battery lenders and providers must give consumers requested payoff statements or transfer papers. This applies to lenders that make solar or battery loans and providers that lease these systems or sell their electricity under a power agreement. A consumer must request the papers in writing. A lender or provider that misses the deadline must credit the consumer's account $250. The seven-day deadline begins when the lender or provider receives the consumer's written request.