Committee advances consumer‑protection and permitting proposals for residential solar and backup systems

Lede: The committee heard extended testimony on a cluster of bills intended to protect residential consumers from deceptive solar‑sales practices and to streamline permitting and deployment of home solar/backup systems.

Nut graf: SB 10 36 (Sen. Zaffarini) would require registration of solar salespersons and retail sellers, set consumer‑protection disclosures and a short rescission window, require insurance and continuing education, and authorize penalties — with enhanced penalties for senior victims. SB 16 97 (companion) directs the Public Utility Commission to publish a consumer guide and requires utilities to link to it. SB 12 02 (Vice Chair King) allows a homeowner to use an authorized third‑party licensed engineer to conduct plan review and inspections for solar/generator/backup systems rather than…