Washington’s solar energy champions gained a new level of strength this month when SHB 2156 went into effect on June 6. The bill was signed into law this past March by Governor Jay Inslee, after unanimous votes from both the House and Senate. A bipartisan win!
Known officially as the Solar Consumer Protection Act, this new legislation creates a safety net for folks looking to install solar. Among many good things, it underlines contract transparency and clear financial disclosures. Solar companies and salespeople will be held to higher standards of accountability and licensing requirements.
You may be wondering why such a bill is necessary. If you’ve spent any time online looking for solar information, you’ve undoubtedly been barraged by false offers of FREE SOLAR. Perhaps you’ve had door-to-door solicitation or received a flyer promising the same unlikely offer. You may have joined the Artisan community because your original installer has disappeared, leaving you without support for your system.
After many complaints by consumers and legitimate installers, legal action was taken. SHB 2156 will eliminate the shady and deceptive practices of unscrupulous installers and we are happy to see it enacted. Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA) has a fantastic summary and consumer checklist for you here.