In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on proposed amendments to solar panel disclosure regulations and consumer protection laws in Utah. State Representative Colin Jack introduced a bill aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the residential solar industry, addressing concerns raised by consumer complaints over the past years.

The proposed legislation seeks to implement additional disclosure requirements for solar sales representatives, emphasizing that energy production estimates provided to consumers may not always be accurate. To combat misleading claims, the bill mandates that solar companies must deliver at least 80% of the promised energy production. Furthermore, it introduces a registration and bonding requirement for solar retailers, similar to existing regulations in construction contracting, to ensure accountability.

A significant aspect of the bill is the requirement for solar sales representatives to be directly employed by the solar companies, thereby holding the companies responsible for any misleading promises made during the sales process. This change aims to address issues where sales staff, often outsourced, make unrealistic claims and then become unreachable after the sale.

Additionally, the legislation proposes delaying financial obligations until the solar system is operational, protecting homeowners from losing money on incomplete projects. Representative Jack noted that while reputable companies likely already adhere to these practices, the regulations are designed to target less scrupulous operators.

Katie Haas, director of the Division of Consumer Protection, supported the bill but raised concerns about its implementation and the need for further stakeholder engagement. The committee agreed to revisit the bill in November, allowing time for necessary amendments and discussions with stakeholders.

In a separate discussion, the committee also reviewed amendments to the Consumer Sales Practices Act, which has been in place for over 50 years. The proposed changes aim to clarify language and enhance protections for consumers, particularly vulnerable populations, against deceptive practices. The amendments would strengthen the enforcement capabilities of the Division of Consumer Protection, ensuring that subpoenas are taken seriously and that costs incurred in enforcement actions can be recovered.

The committee expressed interest in including a reporting requirement to assess the effectiveness of these amendments over time, ensuring that consumer protection efforts remain transparent and accountable. Overall, the discussions reflect a commitment to improving consumer trust and safety in Utah's commercial landscape, particularly in the rapidly evolving solar energy sector.