Representatives of rooftop solar companies and a public-benefit solar provider urged the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to favorably report H.450, a bill that would add consumer protections for solar and battery customers in Massachusetts.

Bronte Payne, senior policy manager at Sunrun, said the bill would require standardized disclosure forms and an educational brochure to be provided to customers before contract signing, and would extend the right-of-rescission period from three days to five days. "This would provide key information to allow [customers] to decide" before installation, Payne said, noting similar recent laws in Texas and Colorado.

Kyle Wallace, vice president of public policy at Positgen, a certified B corporation focused on serving lower- and moderate-income households, said the brochure and standardized disclosures are "emerging best practices" that increase customers' ability to understand offers and to compare multiple quotes. Wallace said the brochure can flag risky claims and direct consumers to resources, and that a five-day rescission period "gives more time" for customers to avoid high-pressure sales.

The bill also would establish a registry for salespersons and set requirements for door-to-door sales interactions, witnesses said. Both witnesses argued the measures would protect consumers while allowing rooftop solar and storage deployment to continue.

No committee action was taken at the hearing. Committee members asked clarifying questions about timing and the effect on installers; Positgen told the committee that permitting, utility approvals and other steps typically make the interval between contract signature and installation measured in weeks, so extending rescission from three to five days should not disrupt normal installation schedules.

Next steps: Supporters asked to work with the committee on strengthening the bill's language and to collaborate on standard disclosure and brochure content.