The bill repeals Chapter 39-26.8 of the General Laws, known as the "Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act," which previously established requirements for disclosure forms in solar agreements for residential solar energy systems. The repeal eliminates definitions, applicability, and requirements for solar retailers to provide a standard disclosure form before entering into a solar agreement with customers. This action removes consumer protections and guidelines for the content and format of disclosure forms, leaving a regulatory gap in residential solar energy transactions.
In addition to the repeal, the bill introduces new sections under the same chapter title, suggesting a restructuring of the legal framework. These new sections include definitions for terms such as "customer," "department," "lease," "power purchase agreement," and "residential solar energy system," indicating a focus on disclosure and consumer rights. The bill also requires solar retailers to register with the department, develop standards for employees, and provide a standard disclosure form developed by the office of energy resources. The form must include detailed information about the solar system, projected savings, and system design assumptions to ensure transparency for potential customers. The bill also introduces requirements for warranties, fixture filings, and the consequences of non-payment, aiming to clarify the financial aspects and ownership implications of solar agreements.