Solar Group Introduces Disclosure Form to Help Homeowners Understand Transactions
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is continuing to introduce tools to make it easier and safer for people to go solar. This week it introduced the standardized SEIA Solar Purchase Disclosure form.
The new disclosure form is available at SEIA’s consumer protection portal and can be used across all states. According to SEIA, the new form is similar to an HUD-1 statement consumers receive when purchasing a home. It provides key terms clearly and upfront and includes an addendum that explains the estimated cost of electricity the solar energy system will produce over its lifetime.
"As solar becomes more affordable, many consumers are paying cash or using loans to buy a solar system," said Nat Kreamer, chairman of the board of directors of SEIA and CEO of Spruce. "The SEIA disclosure released today helps consumers easily understand the value created by and responsibilities associated with, owning a home solar electricity system."
The form, as well as other standardized disclosures SEIA introduced in the past year or so for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leases create a suite of standardized documents that help consumers compare and better understand offers from competing solar companies, SEIA said. The organization also plans to build on its consumer protection initiatives in the coming year.
“Going solar is an important decision and our goal is to make it as straightforward and transparent as possible for consumers,” explained Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president. “Whether you’re purchasing, leasing, or using a PPA to go solar at home, a clear, upfront summary of the key terms allows you to compare apples with apples across offers and feel more confident in choosing a solar company. I strongly encourage all companies to use these disclosures with consumers.”
These disclosure forms were created by attorneys from across the solar and housing industries, SEIA said. They were also shared with consumer groups, federal and state regulators, and others with an interest in ensuring consumer satisfaction. By sharing them with these organizations and offices SEIA is helping to ensure that companies will adopt them as well.
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