Solar Smart - CSLB

Solar Smart - CSLB
Solar Smart
Want to Go Solar?
When it comes to going green, especially utilizing solar energy, California leads the nation. Our solar industry is booming. It’s never been easier or more affordable to go solar. If you’re considering installing a residential solar energy system, there’s important information you need to consider so you can be “Solar Smart.”
Is Solar Power Right for You?
How Long Do You Plan to Stay in Your Current Home?
It will probably take a number of years to recoup in energy savings the money you’ll pay for your solar system. As a result, if you’re thinking about moving within the next five years, you should carefully evaluate whether installing a solar energy system is a good idea right now.
Determine Your Current Use and How Much Your Electricity Costs
Determine how much electricity you use each year, and how much you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) from your current electricity provider. Also determine the breakeven point, when the money you save every month will equal the cost of the system.
Which Way Does Your Roof Point?
Make sure your roof is oriented toward the southern (including southwestern and southeastern) sky, and isn’t shaded by trees or other obstructions that could limit the amount of energy your system can generate.
Your Financing Options
The three most popular financing options are:
Buying
You purchase your solar system with cash or a loan. Financing can be traditional home improvement loans, as well as other programs where payments can be added to either your property tax or utility bill. Common names for these type of financing programs are PACE, HERO, CHEEF, or REEL.
Pros
The system may increase the value of your home.
You receive all tax credits and other available deductions and incentives.
You get all the electricity produced by the system at no additional cost, except for costs associated with maintaining and repairing the system.
Cons
You’re responsible for the system maintenance and all repairs.
If you use one of the alternative financing options, your annual property tax or utility bill will increase, sometimes substantially, since the cost of financing the system is paid through additional taxes or fees on your property.
You’re out of luck if the system can’t produce enough electricity to pay for itself.
Some financing programs may charge above-market interest rates, may place liens against your property, or may require that the solar energy system loan be paid off prior to selling or refinancing your home.
Things to Remember
Make sure that you have control over the payments being made to the contractor. Don’t allow your financial institution to make loan payments to your contractor before the work is performed. This places you at risk of having the contractor quit before completing the work, while leaving you responsible for paying for a system that you have not received.
Make sure you get mechanics lien release forms signed by your contractor, subcontractor and/or materials supplier(s). Otherwise, you run the risk of possibly having to pay twice if the general contractor fails to pay any subcontractors or materials suppliers who completed work on your home. Lien release forms are available on the
CSLB website
Make sure you get all sales pitches and claims regarding the benefits of solar energy system installation, especially those related to expected savings and power that will be produced, in writing. Verbal claims are difficult to prove.
Read the contract to make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to before signing.
California law requires that a financing estimate and disclosure document be delivered to you before you sign up for one of the property assessment programs noted above (PACE, HERO, etc.). That document includes: a description of the products and costs, financing costs, and explaination to the homeowner about making payments via the property tax bill, and a notice regarding the potential requirement to pay the remaining balance of the assessment upon sale or refinance. You can download that disclosure
here
Be sure that you have received and read this disclosure document before you sign any property assessment authorization or contract.
Read the bill that enacted these new requirements
LINK
Leasing
You can lease a solar energy system for a fixed term (typically 20 years), during which time you’ll make fixed monthly payments (which may include an escalator clause) to the solar company while receiving the electricity the system produces.
Pros
Little or no upfront costs
Ideally, you would pay less for the energy produced by the system over the term of the lease than you would have paid for the same amount of energy from your current electricity provider.
Solar company is responsible for system maintenance and all repairs.
Cons
Since the solar company owns the system, they receive all tax credits and available deductions and incentives.
Selling your home during the term of the lease can become challenging. For example, solar energy system leases often require the homeowner to buy out the lease at a pre-determined price set by the solar leasing company before selling the home, or the person purchasing your home will have to agree to assume the lease. Some home buyers are reluctant to do that.
At the end of the lease, the solar company can remove the system if there is nothing in the contract that permits the homeowner to purchase the system at the end of the lease.
Things to Remember
Check the contract to see you’re able to purchase the solar energy system after a certain amount of time.
Make sure you get all sales pitches and claims regarding the benefits of solar energy system installation, especially those related to expected savings and power that will be produced, in writing. Verbal claims are difficult to prove.
Read the contract to make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to before signing. Watch out for language in any contract that allows the company to place a lien on your home or accelerate payments (all payments become immediately due under the contract) if you miss a payment or fail to meet a contractual obligation.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
The solar company installs the system at no cost to you and sells you the power it generates at an agreed upon rate.
You agree to allow a company to install and own a solar system on your home, and you purchase the electricity produced at a pre-established price per kWh (often with an escalator clause). As with a lease, the company gets the tax benefits, and the sale of your home can become more challenging.
Pros
Little or no upfront costs
You may be able to purchase the system outright during the terms of the agreement.
Cons
You may be required to pay for all energy the solar energy system produces, even if you don’t use it.
Since the solar company owns the system, they receive all tax credits and available deductions and incentives.
Selling your home during the term of the agreement can get more challenging. For example, these types of agreements often require the homeowner to buy out the contract at a pre-determined price set by the solar company before selling the home, or the person purchasing your home will have to agree to assume the contract. Some home buyers are reluctant to do that.
Things to Remember
Think of a PPA’s escalator clause like you would a variable rate home mortgage that goes up every year. Check to see if the solar company offers a fixed rate instead of a variable rate. Unlike an escalator clause that changes from year-to-year over the life of the contract, a fixed rate, much like a fixed-rate mortgage, would remain locked-in for the entire life of the PPA.
Make sure you get all sales pitches and claims regarding the benefits of solar energy system installation, especially those related to expected savings and power that will be produced, in writing. Verbal claims are difficult to prove.
Read the contract to make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to before signing. Watch out for language in any contract that allows the company to place a lien on your home or accelerate payments (all payments become immediately due under the contract) if you miss a payment or fail to meet a contractual obligation.
Solar Energy System Disclosure
Business and Professions Code 7169 subdivisions (a) and (b) provide:
The board, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission, shall develop and make available a "solar energy system disclosure document" or documents that provide a consumer, at a minimum, accurate, clear, and concise information regarding the installation of a solar energy system, total costs of installation, anticipated savings, the assumptions and inputs used to estimate the savings, and the implications of various financing options.
On or before July 1, 2018, the board, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission, shall develop, and make available on its internet website the disclosure document described in subdivision (a) that a solar energy system company shall provide to a consumer prior to completion of a sale, financing, or lease of a solar energy system. The "solar energy system disclosure document" shall be printed on the front page or cover page of every solar energy contract. The "solar energy system disclosure document" shall be printed in boldface 16-point type and include the following types of primary information:
The total cost and payments for the system, including financing costs.
Information on how and to whom customers may provide complaints.
The consumer's right to the applicable cancellation period pursuant to Section 7159 of the Business and Professions Code.
A copy of this document is available for contracts with a 3-day right to cancel in
and
Spanish
and for contracts with a 5-day right to cancel in
and
Spanish
Business and Professions Code section 7169 subdivision (c) provides:
At the board's discretion, other types of supporting information the board and the commission deem appropriate or useful in furthering the directive described in subdivision (a) may be included in the solar energy disclosure document following the front page or cover page, including, but not limited to:
The amounts and sources of financing obtained.
The calculations used by the home improvement salesperson to determine how many panels the homeowner needs to install.
The calculations used by the home improvement salesperson to determine how much energy the panels will generate.
Any additional monthly fees the homeowner's electric company may bill, any turn-on charges, and any fees added for the use of an internet monitoring system of the panels or inverters.
The terms and conditions of any guaranteed rebate.
The final contract price, without the inclusion of possible rebates.
The solar energy system company's contractor's license number.
The impacts of solar energy system installations not performed to code.
Types of solar energy system malfunctions.
Information about the difference between a solar energy system lease and a solar energy system purchase.
The impacts that the financing options, lease agreement terms, or contract terms will have on the sale of the consumer's home, including any balloon payments or solar energy system relocation that may be required if the contract is not assigned to the new owner of the home.
A calculator that calculates performance of solar projects to provide solar customers the solar power system's projected output, which may include an expected performance-based buy-down calculator.
A copy of a document with supporting information similar to information described in subdivision (c) of Section 7169 is available in
and
Spanish
Business and Professions Code section 7169 subdivisions (c) through (h) also provide:
A contract for sale, financing, or lease of a solar energy system and the solar energy system disclosure document shall be written in the same language as was principally used in the oral sales presentation made to the consumer or the print or digital marketing material given to the consumer.
For solar energy systems utilizing Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, the Financing Estimate and Disclosure form required by subdivision (b) of Section 5898.17 of the Streets and Highways Code shall satisfy the requirements of this section with respect to the financing contract only, but not, however, with respect to the underlying contract for installation of the solar energy system.
The board shall post the PACE Financing Estimate and Disclosure form required by subdivision (b) of Section 5898.17 of the Streets and Highways Code on its internet website.
For purposes of this section, "solar energy system" means a solar energy device to be installed on a residential building that has the primary purpose of providing for the collection and distribution of solar energy for the generation of electricity, that produces at least one kW, and not more than five MW, alternating current rated peak electricity, and that meets or exceeds the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 25782 of the Public Resources Code.
This section does not apply to a solar energy system that is installed as a standard feature on new construction.
A Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) disclosure form is available under the "Your Financing Options" tab or
here
Other Things to Remember
Check the License First
There are thousands of licensed contractors in California who can legally install photovoltaic solar energy systems because they hold one or more of the following license classifications:
"A" – General Engineering contractors
are authorized to install solar energy systems.
"B" – General Building contractors
are authorized to install solar energy systems within the definition of
B&P Code section 7057
, since a solar energy system constitutes the use of two unrelated building trades or crafts.
C-4 – Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting contractors
are authorized to perform projects that include solar heating equipment associated with systems authorized by this classification.
C-10 – Electrical contractors
are authorized to perform any solar projects that generate, transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy in any form for any purpose.
C-36 – Plumbing contractors
are authorized to perform any project using solar equipment to heat water or fluids to a suitable temperature.
C-46 – Solar contractors
install, modify, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. A licensee in this classification shall not undertake or perform building or construction trades, crafts or skills, except when required to install a thermal or photovoltaic solar energy system.
C-53 – Swimming Pool contractors
are authorized to install solar heating in swimming pool projects.
Generally, solar sales representatives must be registered with CSLB as Home Improvement Salespeople (HIS) unless the sales negotiation is initiated
by the prospective buyer
at or with a general merchandise retail establishment that operates from a fixed location (a storefront operation). Click
here
to see the other limited exceptions to who must be registered as HIS.
Do
not
use a contractor who is not licensed to perform solar work.
Click
here
to check a contractor’s license or HIS registration status.
Shop & Compare
Get competing bids from at least three contractors, and research those you are considering. Ask for and check their references.
Do the Math
Don’t rely on a contractor or salesperson’s promises. Use all specific cost figures
in writing
, your current power costs, and your electricity usage to determine if solar makes sense for you. There are cost calculators available online to assist you. (See links in More Solar Resources section below) If you are considering a lease or PPA, make sure you understand any escalators that will increase the costs over time.
Get it in Writing
Once you select a contractor, make sure the contract you sign spells out everything you were promised, including all costs, the timeline for installation, and the exact equipment and number of panels to be used. Make sure the contract specifies that the contractor will pull all required building permits. If you were promised a minimum amount of power generation, be sure it’s written into the contract.
Review the Contract Closely
Take time to review the contract closely before you sign it. Look for any hidden costs that were not disclosed. Make sure the contract explains how potential problems (maintenance, warranty, dispute resolution, etc.) will be handled.
For lease and PPA contracts, beware of excessive cost escalators; and read what happens if you want to sell your home, if you want to exit the lease early, or if the equipment does not perform as promised.
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask your contractor questions about the contract and the proposed installation. A good contractor will be happy to address concerns now to avoid misunderstandings later.
Don’t Rush
Do not be pressured into making a rash decision. The solar market in California is very competitive, and there is no need to rush into signing a contract. If you have second thoughts after signing, California law allows you to cancel the contract without any penalty within three business days. To avoid problems, do not allow construction to begin during this three-day rescission period.
More Solar Resources
Below are links to additional resources to help ensure you make informed decisions about what can be considered a complex investment. This is not an all-inclusive list, but is a great place to start.
While CSLB does not endorse these materials, the information linked here is provided by local, state, and federal agencies, public-private partnerships, or nonprofit groups.
Have we missed anything? Drop us an
email
and let us know how we can make this page better or send us suggested links to add to this list.
California Solar Consumer Protection Guide
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recommends that solar providers give this guide to potential customers during their first contact. Also, solar providers submitting applications to interconnect residential solar customers in the
service areas of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
are required to collect customer initials and a signature on the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide.
Fresno County Consumer Solar Bulletin
The bulletin and tip sheet was created by the Solar Consumer Protection Government Taskforce, a partnership of CSLB, the California Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Business Oversight, and the Fresno County District Attorney's Office.
Solar Energy Basics (
U.S. Department of Energy
This is an overview of various solar technologies, including solar photovoltaic and solar water heating.
Solar Electricity Basics (
Energy Upgrade California
This is an overview of a basic solar installation, including how panels work, and related costs.
Guide to Solar Lingo (
U.S. Department of Energy
This is the U.S. Department of Energy’s handy glossary of solar terms.
Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Solar Power for Your Home Guide
This is the Federal Trade Commission’s guide that takes you through the important things to consider when thinking about solar.
Filing a Claim with FTC
This is where you go to file a complaint with the FTC. This is particularly helpful if you receive unwanted telemarketing calls, or think a company’s product doesn’t live up to its advertising.
National Utility Rate Database
This is a database where you can find current electricity rates in your area.
Consumer Solar Checklist (
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
This is a checklist of questions consumers should ask when considering a residential solar energy system.
This guide to financing options includes helpful checklists of questions to ask.
California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF)
This provides information on a public-private partnership among state agencies, utilities, and lenders. The financing program is administered by the California State Treasurer’s office.
Solar Complaint Form
PDF-English
PDF-Spanish
ONLINE
Solar Complaints Report
FY 2022/2023 - Solar Complaint Report
Between the dates of July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, CSLB received
2,263
solar complaints. As of August 30, 2023,
1,625
of the complaints had been sufficiently investigated to determine the nature of the complaint as follows:
Nature of Complaint
Workmanship/Abandonment
1,232
Misrepresentation/Fraud
323
Home Improvement Contract Violation
32
Unlicensed Contractor
33
Permit Violations
19
Unregistered Salesman
11
Other
97
The report further revealed that the
1,625
investigations completed in the timeline above resulted in the following dispositions:
Non-Legal Actions
Insufficient Evidence (lack of cause to perform further investigation)
724
Settled
630
Advisory Notice
25
Arbitration
Legal Actions
Letter of Admonishment
17
Citation
20
Accusation
Criminal Referral
34
License Already Revoked
170
Additionally, it was found that the
2,263
complaints came from
837
different zip codes across California.
The complaints grouped by zip code are as follows:
Zip Code - Number of Complaints
90001 -1
90002 -1
90003 -1
90004 -3
90005 -4
90007 -1
90008 -2
90280 -2
90291 -1
90303 -2
90305 -3
90405 -2
90501 -1
90503 -2
91108 -1
91201 -1
91206 -1
91214 -4
91301 -6
91302 -4
91303 -1
91711 -4
91722 -1
91723 -1
91724 -2
91730 -3
91732 -1
91737 -3
92014 -1
92019 -8
92020 -4
92021 -6
92024 -1
92025 -7
92026 -3
92203 -1
92211 -2
92220 -3
92223 -6
92227 -2
92231 -2
92233 -1
92394 -3
92395 -1
92397 -1
92399 -3
92404 -6
92407 -4
92410 -3
92637 -1
92646 -4
92647 -3
92648 -2
92651 -1
92653 -3
92660 -1
93012 -4
93015 -1
93022 -2
93023 -2
93033 -1
93035 -1
93036 -1
93458 -1
93461 -2
93463 -1
93465 -1
93505 -2
93514 -1
93534 -4
93711 -1
93720 -7
93722 -2
93723 -3
93725 -1
93726 -2
93727 -6
94403 -2
94501 -1
94503 -1
94505 -3
94506 -3
94507 -1
94509 -5
94596 -4
94597 -1
94602 -3
94603 -4
94605 -6
94608 -1
94609 -1
95112 -1
95116 -1
95117 -1
95118 -1
95119 -1
95120 -4
95121 -2
95321 -1
95329 -2
95334 -2
95336 -5
95337 -5
95338 -2
95340 -5
95626 -1
95628 -1
95630 -7
95636 -1
95645 -1
95648 -9
95650 -1
95917 -1
95918 -1
95926 -1
95928 -1
95932 -1
95938 -1
95949 -2
90011 -3
90015 -1
90016 -1
90018 -2
90019 -2
90022 -1
90023 -1
90504 -2
90505 -3
90601 -4
90603 -4
90604 -4
90605 -2
90606 -5
91304 -2
91306 -7
91307 -3
91320 -3
91321 -2
91324 -3
91325 -5
91740 -1
91741 -3
91744 -3
91745 -5
91746 -1
91750 -2
91752 -1
92027 -4
92028 -15
92029 -5
92036 -2
92037 -3
92040 -6
92054 -3
92234 -9
92236 -1
92240 -5
92243 -3
92251 -2
92252 -2
92253 -5
92503 -3
92504 -2
92505 -2
92506 -2
92507 -2
92508 -1
92509 -1
92672 -5
92673 -2
92674 -1
92675 -5
92676 -3
92677 -6
92679 -6
93041 -1
93060 -2
93063 -2
93065 -5
93066 -1
93111 -1
93210 -1
93535 -14
93536 -15
93543 -2
93550 -4
93551 -8
93552 -1
93555 -5
93730 -3
93737 -1
93901 -1
93905 -1
93906 -4
93908 -1
93923 -1
94510 -3
94513 -9
94517 -1
94518 -2
94520 -3
94521 -3
94523 -4
94611 -3
94619 -5
94621 -1
94702 -1
94703 -1
94706 -1
94707 -2
95122 -2
95123 -7
95124 -5
95125 -1
95126 -2
95127 -4
95128 -2
95341 -1
95348 -2
95350 -1
95355 -5
95356 -1
95358 -3
95360 -1
95661 -1
95663 -1
95664 -4
95667 -10
95670 -4
95672 -2
95673 -1
95951 -1
95953 -1
95954 -1
95959 -1
95961 -3
95963 -2
95965 -1
90024 -1
90025 -1
90026 -1
90032 -1
90034 -1
90035 -1
90038 -1
90620 -7
90621 -1
90623 -3
90630 -3
90631 -1
90638 -5
90640 -1
91326 -6
91331 -7
91335 -6
91340 -3
91342 -14
91343 -4
91344 -6
91754 -5
91755 -1
91761 -7
91762 -5
91763 -1
91764 -2
91765 -3
92056 -8
92057 -4
92059 -1
92064 -5
92065 -8
92069 -8
92071 -5
92256 -1
92260 -6
92262 -5
92264 -3
92268 -2
92270 -3
92274 -3
92530 -6
92532 -1
92543 -3
92544 -5
92545 -2
92549 -1
92551 -2
92683 -1
92688 -3
92691 -8
92692 -5
92694 -2
92701 -1
92703 -2
93215 -6
93219 -1
93221 -4
93223 -4
93230 -4
93234 -1
93243 -1
93560 -3
93561 -2
93562 -2
93591 -3
93602 -2
93611 -8
93612 -3
93960 -1
94002 -2
94010 -1
94015 -4
94018 -1
94019 -1
94022 -3
94526 -2
94530 -2
94531 -6
94533 -10
94534 -5
94536 -6
94538 -2
94708 -1
94709 -2
94803 -2
94804 -2
94805 -2
94806 -1
94903 -2
95129 -2
95130 -1
95131 -1
95132 -2
95134 -1
95135 -2
95136 -1
95361 -3
95366 -3
95367 -4
95368 -2
95370 -5
95376 -5
95377 -2
95677 -4
95682 -4
95685 -1
95686 -1
95687 -6
95688 -5
95689 -2
95966 -4
95969 -3
95973 -1
95975 -1
95977 -1
95983 -1
95987 -1
90042 -4
90043 -2
90044 -3
90047 -7
90048 -1
90049 -4
90059 -4
90650 -5
90660 -1
90670 -2
90680 -3
90703 -2
90712 -1
90715 -1
91345 -2
91350 -7
91352 -3
91354 -3
91355 -2
91356 -3
91362 -4
91766 -4
91770 -1
91773 -2
91780 -1
91784 -5
91786 -2
91789 -5
92075 -2
92078 -2
92081 -2
92082 -2
92084 -3
92104 -2
92105 -2
92276 -1
92277 -2
92284 -2
92285 -1
92301 -3
92307 -6
92308 -10
92553 -4
92555 -5
92557 -2
92561 -1
92562 -2
92563 -8
92567 -2
92704 -1
92707 -1
92708 -2
92780 -2
92801 -1
92804 -1
92805 -1
93245 -4
93247 -1
93257 -4
93263 -2
93268 -3
93270 -1
93274 -5
93614 -3
93618 -1
93619 -6
93620 -1
93622 -1
93625 -2
93626 -1
94024 -1
94028 -1
94030 -2
94037 -1
94041 -1
94043 -1
94044 -6
94541 -1
94544 -1
94545 -1
94546 -1
94547 -1
94549 -3
94550 -3
94904 -1
94920 -2
94928 -2
94941 -1
94945 -2
94947 -3
94952 -2
95138 -1
95139 -1
95148 -3
95202 -1
95203 -1
95204 -2
95205 -1
95382 -2
95391 -1
95401 -2
95403 -2
95404 -2
95409 -5
95422 -1
95691 -4
95701 -1
95713 -2
95726 -1
95736 -1
95742 -1
95746 -5
95991 -2
95993 -3
96001 -1
96002 -2
96003 -1
96007 -5
96021 -1
90061 -2
90062 -2
90063 -3
90066 -1
90068 -3
90077 -1
90210 -1
90717 -1
90720 -1
90723 -1
90732 -1
90746 -2
90803 -1
90804 -2
91364 -3
91367 -7
91381 -1
91384 -2
91386 -1
91387 -7
91390 -6
91790 -2
91791 -2
91801 -1
91803 -2
91901 -1
91902 -2
91906 -1
92106 -5
92107 -1
92110 -2
92111 -1
92113 -1
92114 -3
92115 -2
92311 -2
92313 -3
92315 -1
92316 -1
92320 -1
92324 -1
92335 -1
92570 -2
92571 -4
92582 -1
92583 -1
92584 -5
92586 -6
92591 -1
92806 -2
92807 -1
92821 -4
92831 -2
92833 -1
92835 -2
92840 -2
93277 -13
93283 -1
93286 -1
93291 -2
93292 -2
93304 -4
93305 -2
93630 -3
93631 -1
93635 -4
93636 -2
93637 -5
93640 -2
93643 -1
94060 -1
94061 -1
94062 -1
94065 -2
94066 -3
94070 -1
94080 -2
94551 -2
94553 -5
94555 -1
94558 -7
94559 -3
94560 -4
94561 -4
94954 -5
94960 -1
95003 -1
95008 -3
95014 -2
95020 -11
95023 -4
95206 -4
95207 -5
95209 -8
95210 -3
95215 -2
95219 -2
95220 -1
95423 -2
95442 -1
95449 -1
95451 -3
95453 -1
95460 -1
95464 -2
95747 -7
95757 -1
95758 -4
95762 -5
95765 -4
95815 -2
95820 -3
96055 -1
96059 -1
96073 -2
96080 -3
96088 -1
96120 -1
96130 -1
90220 -3
90221 -3
90240 -3
90241 -4
90242 -4
90248 -1
90249 -3
90806 -2
90807 -1
90808 -3
90810 -1
90815 -2
91001 -7
91006 -2
91401 -3
91402 -9
91405 -1
91406 -5
91423 -1
91436 -5
91505 -2
91910 -5
91911 -3
91913 -2
91914 -2
91915 -2
91916 -2
91932 -2
92116 -3
92117 -2
92120 -3
92122 -1
92123 -2
92124 -1
92126 -5
92336 -9
92337 -4
92345 -7
92346 -1
92352 -1
92354 -2
92356 -6
92592 -3
92595 -3
92596 -3
92602 -2
92604 -2
92606 -1
92612 -1
92845 -2
92860 -10
92861 -1
92865 -1
92867 -4
92869 -2
92879 -4
93306 -8
93307 -2
93308 -3
93309 -6
93311 -5
93312 -4
93313 -4
93644 -1
93646 -1
93648 -1
93650 -1
93654 -5
93657 -8
93660 -2
94085 -1
94086 -2
94087 -4
94089 -1
94105 -1
94110 -2
94115 -1
94563 -1
94565 -6
94566 -3
94568 -1
94571 -3
94577 -4
94580 -2
95033 -2
95035 -2
95037 -3
95039 -1
95043 -1
95046 -1
95054 -2
95223 -1
95225 -1
95230 -1
95240 -3
95242 -2
95245 -2
95249 -1
95465 -1
95482 -2
95492 -1
95501 -3
95540 -1
95567 -1
95602 -3
95823 -1
95824 -1
95827 -1
95828 -1
95829 -2
95831 -1
95832 -1
96137 -1
96150 -1
90275 -3
91107 -3
91710 -7
92009 -2
92201 -3
90254 -1
90255 -1
90262 -2
90265 -5
90266 -2
90270 -1
90274 -5
91007 -1
91011 -1
91030 -3
91040 -6
91042 -6
91104 -3
91106 -1
91604 -2
91605 -3
91606 -1
91701 -6
91702 -1
91706 -1
91709 -6
91941 -1
91942 -3
91945 -2
91977 -6
92004 -1
92007 -1
92008 -1
92127 -5
92128 -3
92129 -6
92130 -4
92131 -2
92139 -1
92154 -4
92365 -1
92368 -1
92371 -2
92373 -2
92374 -2
92376 -11
92377 -1
92614 -1
92618 -1
92619 -1
92620 -3
92625 -3
92627 -1
92629 -4
92880 -4
92881 -5
92882 -3
92883 -3
92886 -2
92887 -4
93004 -3
93314 -3
93401 -1
93402 -1
93420 -5
93422 -3
93446 -1
93454 -1
93662 -3
93675 -1
93701 -1
93703 -3
93704 -2
93705 -8
93706 -3
94116 -1
94121 -3
94123 -2
94124 -1
94131 -1
94132 -1
94134 -1
94582 -1
94583 -4
94587 -3
94588 -5
94589 -1
94590 -2
94591 -6
95060 -2
95062 -1
95065 -1
95066 -1
95070 -2
95076 -2
95110 -2
95251 -1
95252 -3
95255 -1
95258 -2
95301 -2
95306 -1
95307 -1
95603 -1
95605 -2
95608 -1
95610 -3
95616 -2
95618 -2
95620 -1
95833 -1
95834 -3
95835 -1
95838 -2
95841 -1
95843 -1
95901 -1
92392 -8
92630 -4
93010 -1
93455 -2
93710 -3
94203 -1
94592 -1
95111 -4
95311 -1
95624 -3
95912 -1
Solar Energy System Restitution Program
Important Restitution Fund Update
To ensure availability of remaining funds for claims received, CSLB is no longer accepting new claims for the Solar Energy System Restitution Program (SESRP).
Pursuant to
Business and Professions Code section 7086.6
, restitution payments from the SESRP account are only available as long as there are appropriated moneys available for payment.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
CSLB has studied battery energy storage systems (BESS) since October 2016, after receiving public inquiries about the proper contractor license classification to install BESS. Staff held multiple public meetings, listening to hours of public testimony from hundreds of stakeholders, and has solicited and reviewed thousands of pages of technical BESS information.
This page details reports and information about BESS.
June 7, 2022
CSLB Staff Draft BESS Regulatory Language
June 3, 2022
CSLB Staff Report in Consultation with Expert Consultants
March 4, 2022*
IBEW-NECA Response to February 23, 2022 CALSSA Letter
February 23, 2022*
CALSSA Alternative BESS Regulatory Proposal
January 19, 2022*
IBEW-NECA Alternative BESS Regulatory Proposal
January 7, 2022
CSLB Staff Draft Alternative BESS Regulatory Proposal
November 29, 2021
CSLB Staff Draft BESS Regulatory Language for November 29, 2021 Meeting Agenda
June 30, 2021*
UC Berkeley Battery Energy Storage Systems License Classification Report
March 21, 2019
CSLB Battery Energy Storage Systems License Classification Report
Disclaimer:
The Board is posting information which the Board has no content or formatting control. The Board does not modify materials created by external sources, therefore such documentation may not be fully accessible. Interested parties may request an accessible version of these materials by calling (916) 255-4000. The Board will forward the request to the originator of the document(s) for a response.
Consumer Popular Pages
Owner-Builder Warning
Check a License or HIS Registration
Guides and Publications
License Classifications
Senior Scam Stopper℠ Seminars
Accomplishments & Activities Report
Owner-Builder Note
List of All CSLB Fees
CSLB Speakers Bureau Request
Consumers