CSLB says solar complaints falling after new enforcement unit; MOU now permanent

The California Contractors State License Board reported that solar-related complaints have begun to fall after a rise earlier this decade, and the board has made permanent a specialized enforcement team that fast-tracks repeat-offender investigations.

CSLB staff said the board expects an 18% decrease in solar complaints in 2025 compared with 2024, and credited a dedicated enforcement unit, public outreach and partnerships with other agencies for the change. The unit, branded the multiple-vendor unit (MOU), was created in 2023 and permanently established in mid-2025.

The MOU focuses investigation resources on contractors with multiple open complaints. CSLB staff told the joint California-Nevada meeting that the unit has handled more than 1,300 complaints since its formation and has filed formal accusations seeking license suspension or revocation. By August 2025, staff said eight licensees targeted by the MOU had been revoked or placed on formal probation.

CSLB enforcement leaders said the MOU lowers the prior threshold for a targeted investigation from 10 open complaints to five, which allows earlier review of patterns of conduct rather than processing each complaint separately through intake mediation. CSLB enforcement staff also said the MOU has reduced caseload pressure in intake and investigation offices by consolidating multiple complaints about the same contractor into single investigative tracks.

Nevada officials said they have used tactics that mirror California's approach: targeted units, a solar watch list and a public outreach program. Nevada reported a recent 15% decrease in new solar complaints compared with an earlier period and described a joint outreach campaign to warn consumers about aggressive or misleading solar marketing.

Industry representatives at the meeting acknowledged progress but urged continued clarity on financing and tax-credit messaging. A trade association speaker reminded board members that federal tax credits are complex, can require tax liability to be usable, and may lead to consumer confusion if sales pitches promise government "payments" for systems.

CSLB staff said they will continue to coordinate with the California Public Utilities Commission and other agencies on disclosure forms and outreach. Enforcement leaders also said they will expand the MOU's staffing: a full-time supervisor and additional investigators were being recruited to handle the broader caseload, which now includes accessory dwelling unit complaints in addition to solar cases.

The boards emphasized that educational outreach for consumers and cross-agency referrals to prosecutors remain central to reducing both complaints and financial harm.

The meeting produced no rule changes; it was an update and status report. CSLB said the MOU and related measures will continue as part of the agencys enforcement program.