NBC 10 I-Team: R.I. lawmaker fights to regulate solar solicitations after influx of consumer complaints - Turn to 10

NBC 10 I-Team: R.I. lawmaker fights to regulate solar solicitations after influx of consumer complaints | WJAR

As Rhode Island's Attorney General announces new allegations in a lawsuit against a local solar company, a bill at the State House is being proposed to slap new regulations on the solar industry.

Glocester Rep. Brian Rea plans to refile House Bill 5663 i n January, which would require sales reps selling or leasing solar panels to be licensed by the Department of Business Regulations.

“It’s one of the leading phone calls and/or email complaints that I get,” Rea said. “It has ranged from the salesforce just inundating, to people who actually have litigation now for warranty issues or financing issues.”

While solar companies must be registered contractors in Rhode Island with licensed electricians on staff, the sales side of the transaction is not overseen by the state.

An I-Team investigation from earlier this year uncovered many solar salespeople are often commission-based, without a guaranteed salary, which means they don’t get paid unless they convince you to sign up.

Rea worries that has led to deceptive practices.

“By bringing them to the DBR, that’s what DBR does is provide a lineup of the standards that I am hoping would protect our constituents from these pitfalls,” he said.

The legislation follows several investigations by the NBC 10 I-Team into solar panel companies.

Earlier this year, we secured a new roof for a West Warwick woman after a solar installation prompted widespread leaks.

Just yesterday, Rhode Island's Attorney General announced a motion to add new allegations to a lawsuit against Smart Green Solar in Providence for allegedly engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices in door-to-door solicitations, something the company has and continues to deny.

“This is really like a non-partisan issue, this is something that’s affecting everyone throughout the state,” Rea said.

The bill only applies to solar sales reps, instead of all door-to-door solicitations.

When asked whether that’s discriminatory toward the industry, Rea responded, “I don’t believe so. I mean, we are talking real property here, very expensive items.”

Rea compared it to licensing requirements for real estate agents and added that other door-to-door sales reps usually aren’t selling $30,000 items.

“I haven’t received one complaint about window companies or what have you, and has all been directed towards solar,” Rea said.

While the bill is meant to protect consumers, it could clash with Rhode Island's plans to power itself with 100% renewable energy by 2033, one of the heftiest climate goals in the nation.

Rea believes Rhode Island is moving too fast without protecting consumers and believes this bill will provide the necessary safeguards.

“I’ve spoken to a few different solar companies and reputable companies should not fear this. Unreputable companies, I think they might have an issue with it,” Rea said.

The legislation died in committee last year, but Rea believes it has a better chance of passing this year now that the issue has been pushed to the forefront.

“A lot has happened between last year and this year, a lot of issues have come up, so I’m hoping that my colleagues and I will get together, and hopefully push the bill through that will help and protect consumers,” he said.