Texas Senate Bill 1036 proposed to regulate "Residential Solar Retailers"

[Zerog2k]

FYI Solar DIY Texans,
Senator Zaffirini has introduced SB 1036 aka "Residential Solar Retailer Regulatory Act"

Texas Legislature Online - 89(R) History for SB 1036

subject: Relating to the regulation of residential solar retail transactions; requiring an occupational registration; authorizing fees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
full text: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/SB01036I.htm

While I support better consumer protections in general against unscrupulous retail sales-bros and fly-by-night installers, I'm concerned that competent DIY'ers will get shanked here by possible restrictions as well as potentially raising the cost of DIY solar equipment purchases.

I encourage you to reach out to your Texas State Senators. Here's what I sent mine:

Hello Senator X,

I am writing you to express my concern for SB 1036 and any related legislation.

I want to express my concern this bill, as with a layman's read, I'm concerned of potential unintended consequences for the "do it yourself" (DIY) homeowner.

I am just a capable homeowner and I have no interests in the retail solar marketplace. I am able to read, research, and follow proper laws, codes, manufacturers instructions, and use general common sense and safety practices.

I would like to see the bill clarify and ensure that it targets the commercial and retail marketplace that it likely is intended for, without compromising the rights of the independent homeowner to purchase & obtain as well as install & maintain his own equipment. If we look at other similar laws and situations, there are often exemptions carved out for homeowners to perform their own work, e.g. in electrical installation, so long as it's done safely and to applicable codes.

I'm also concerned that the bill, as written, might impair or inhibit my access to solar equipment purchased from within the state, from solar equipment retailers such as Signature Solar, based in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Also, I am concerned whether it would cause the cost of business to increase for some of the solar equipment suppliers, and of course that cost would be passed onto me, the self-installing homeowner.

I am in support of such legislation in general, to protect consumers from unscrupulous retail salespeople and installers.

However, the way Sec. 1806.002, 6.A. is written, it seems that anyone selling a solar system, such as the complete equipment required for a self-installing homeowner, i.e. "DIY kit", could be unfortunately construed as incorporated into this vague & broad definition.

Please ensure there are appropriate protections to allow the capable self-installing homeowner the FREEDOM from unnecessary fees, fines, and regulation here.

Sincerely your constituent,

xxxxx

 

[Zerog2k]

I forgot to mention it in my letter, but reading through it, it's also not clear to me how this could potentially impact my ability and costs of sub-contracting my own electrician(s) for assistance, e.g. in final hookup, etc, of a (mostly) self-installed solar install.

 

[quantum`]

I used to love Texas back when Ann was gov. But as a Native Texan y'all are getting more backward and corrupted all the time.

50 years there was enough for me.

 

[Madcodger]

If the government wants to regulate a thing you do, it's not likely to make your life easier, better, less expensive, more productive, or more enjoyable. 'Nuff said.