Bill > SB823

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, mandates that the Board for Contractors (the Board) establish specific contract provisions and disclosures for residential solar energy systems, which are defined as solar energy systems installed on a residential structure or property. This applies to the sale, lease (an agreement for the use of a solar energy system owned by another party for over four months), or power purchase agreement (a contract where electricity generated by a solar energy system owned by another party is sold to the customer) for such systems. The bill requires written contracts for these transactions to include detailed information about the solar installation company (a company that sells or installs residential solar energy systems, or installs systems owned by third parties for lease or power purchase), system design, production guarantees, and payment schedules, with specific requirements for leases and power purchase agreements. It also mandates several written disclosures, such as details on maintenance, warranties, and savings estimates, and grants consumers a five-day right to cancel the contract without penalty. A willful violation of these provisions can result in a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation, with a maximum of $5,000 per customer, and any person involved in the transaction can be held jointly and severally liable. The Board is directed to adopt and update regulations to implement these changes by January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB823