Solar Energy Industries Association introduces standardized disclosure statements for residential transactions

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) introduced new standardized disclosure statements on Monday regarding common questions and concerns to help customers better understand solar energy costs and regulations before switching over.

“We strive to make the process of going solar as straightforward and transparent for customers as possible, and these new forms help achieve that,” SEIA Interim President Tom Kimbis said. “These disclosure forms are a big step forward toward creating a marketplace of consumers who are fully informed and educated in choosing solar.”

The new disclosure forms include the SEIA Solar Power Purchase Agreement Disclosure statement and the revised SEIA Solar Lease Disclosure. The forms make it easier for consumers to compare solar offers from competitors and to easily under the terms of a proposal prior to entering an agreement.

The organizations also recently released model lease and PPA contracts and the Consumer Guide to Solar Power to ensure that customers are educated before diving into the solar marketplace. The materials take into account feedback across the solar industry and include regulations, such as a requirement for solar providers to publicly disclose business codes and complaint resolution processes.

The Better Business Bureaus commended SEIA on its work and said that the forms will strengthen the industry and support its self-regulation and success. The disclosure statements were released in time to be included in the Federal Trade Commission’s upcoming workshop on consumer protection in the solar market.