HB 1439

Regulation of contractors; solar installation companies; sale, lease, loan, or power purchase of solar energy systems; civil penalty. Authorizes the Board for Contractors (the Board) to require specific contract provisions and disclosures relating to the sale, lease, loan, or power purchase agreement for a residential solar energy system, as defined in the bill. The bill requires a sale, lease, loan, or power purchase agreement for a residential solar energy system to have a written contract that includes specific provisions related to the solar installation company, system design and performance or production guarantees, and information related to invoices and payments. The bill includes several mandatory disclosures to be included with a sale, lease, loan or power purchase agreement for a residential solar energy system. A willful violation of the provisions of the bill is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $2,000 per violation and no more than $5,000 per customer or purchaser. Under the bill, any person associated with the sale, lease, loan, power purchase agreement, or financing agreement for a solar energy system may be held jointly and severally liable for an act or practice in violation of the bill's requirements. The bill also directs the Board to adopt regulations and update existing regulations to implement the provisions of the bill by January 1, 2027. The remaining provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.