Governor McKee Signs Solar Protections Bill

Published on Wednesday, August 07, 2024

CRANSTON – At the Department of Business Regulation today, Governor McKee was joined by bill sponsors Representative Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) and Senator Jacob Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence) for a ceremonial signing of new solar protections legislation. Speakers also included Director of the Department of Business Regulation Elizabeth Dwyer and Acting Commissioner of the Office of Energy Resources Christopher Kearns.

The new law requires solar retailers in Rhode Island to register their business and a roster of all representatives soliciting sales, conduct criminal records checks for all sales representatives, and follow municipal restrictions on door-to-door sales and federal telemarking rules. It also gives the Department of Business Regulation the authority to investigate complaints and impose any administrative penalties.

The legislation, supported by the Department of Business Regulation, was created in response to consumer complaints about questionable sales practices made by a handful of solar companies in this growing industry.

“Every day, we are learning about exciting new technologies that are designed to make our lives better,” said Governor McKee. “Solar energy is one of those technologies. It reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, and in many cases, it saves families money. By signing these bills into law today, we are making sure that the pitches families are receiving from salespeople in this emerging industry deliver what they promise.”

“Residential solar panels are an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their electricity bill. However, the recent explosion of door-to-door solar panel sales has created a customer protection issue that this law addresses by establishing common-sense safeguards for homeowners,” said Representative Ackerman. “Today, we are taking the first step toward allowing a trustworthy solar industry to flourish in our state.”

“Rooftop solar benefits homeowners while also contributing to the clean energy transition that Rhode Island very much needs,” said Senator Jacob Bissaillon. “Our state cannot afford to have a few bad actors destroy the public’s trust and slow down solar adoption. This legislation will provide Rhode Islanders confidence in the deal they are being offered and ensure that only those who are being honest with consumers can get a foothold in Rhode Island’s solar industry.”

“Solar panels are helping our state achieve its clean energy goals, but for too long homeowners have been left unprotected from deceptive sales tactics,” said Department of Business Regulation Director Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer. “Thanks to this new legislation, Rhode Islanders now have a series of common-sense protections that can make them feel more at ease.”

“The Office of Energy Resources was pleased to work with the Department of Business Regulation and legislature to help address the concerns customers have when making the important decision to go solar,” said Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources. "The Solar Consumer Protection and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act will ensure residents receive more detailed information about project and financing costs while guaranteeing that their solar installation company adheres to best practice sales tactics."