Substitute Senate Bill No. 233, also known as Public Act No. 26-16, introduces comprehensive consumer protections for residential solar and energy storage systems by repealing Section 42-134a and replacing it with updated definitions and provisions. Key insertions include definitions for terms such as "business day," "consumer," "residential solar photovoltaic system," and "home solicitation sale," which clarifies the context of sales made outside the seller's business premises. The bill mandates the Department of Consumer Protection to develop regulations by December 31, 2027, to ensure compliance with these protections, enhancing transparency and consumer rights in the growing market for solar and energy storage solutions.

The legislation also revises existing laws by changing the term "buyer" to "consumer" and stipulating that contracts are only effective if signed by the consumer, who must receive a notice of cancellation informing them of their right to cancel within three business days. If a consumer cancels a contract, they are entitled to a full refund and the return of any traded property, with specific timelines for compliance by the seller. The bill introduces civil penalties for violations, establishes a task force to study and recommend improvements to consumer protections, and requires lenders and providers to respond to consumer requests for payoff statements within seven days. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen consumer rights and ensure transparency in the solar energy market, with new regulations set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 42-136, 42-137, 42-138, 42-139, 42-140, 42-141
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 42-136, 42-137, 42-138, 42-139, 42-140, 42-141
File No. 218: 42-136, 42-137, 42-138, 42-139, 42-140, 42-141
JUD Joint Favorable: 42-136, 42-137, 42-138, 42-139, 42-140, 42-141
APP Joint Favorable: 42-136, 42-137, 42-138, 42-139, 42-140, 42-141
Public Act No. 26-16: 42-136, 42-137, 42-138, 42-139, 42-140, 42-141