Solar Retailers Consumer Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a complaint against a solar retailer?

If your complaint is regarding the Solar Retailer agreements, staff, and registration, please file a complaint with the Division of Commercial Licensing here.

If your complaint is regarding the Contractor installing the solar panels, please file a complaint with the Department’s Contractor’s Registration & Licensing Board: https://crb.ri.gov/consumer/complaint-filing-overview

If your complaint is regarding the engineers involved with the electrical and structural design of your solar panels, please file a complaint with the Department’s Board of Registration for Professional Engineers: https://bdp.ri.gov/consumer/file-complaint

If your complaint is regarding the electricians involved in the installation of your solar panels, please file a complaint with the Department of Labor & Training Division of Professional Regulation via email at dlt.profregs@dlt.ri.gov.

What kinds of enforcement powers does the DBR have – can I get my money back?

The Department pursues enforcement actions related to the registration and renewal requirements for solar retailers and may levy administrative penalties against a registered solar retailer or unregistered solar retailer for violations of the regulations and/or applicable law. However, the Department does not have the authority to order a solar retailer to return money to a client/homeowner.

If you believe you may have a claim against a solar retailer under an agreement or related to the installation, you may file a civil complaint in state court. You may also contact the Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General Consumer and Economic Justice Unit at https://riag.ri.gov/solar.

Where do I find information about laws, rules, and regulations relating to solar retailers?

Links to the laws, rules, and regulations relating to residential solar retailers can be found here.

I am concerned about solicitations in my neighborhood. How do I determine if a certain business is legitimately registered?

The public may search registered solar retailers through the State portal.

I’m thinking of installing solar panels. What should I look for when talking to a solar retailer?

If you are thinking of installing a solar energy system, you may search the State portal to confirm that your retailer is properly registered. All residential solar retailers operating in Rhode Island are required to provide certain disclosures to prospective consumers. However, each residential solar retailer will have its own contract or agreement for services and you should review the agreement terms carefully and ask questions to ensure that you understand all conditions and limits of the agreements.

The Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General website includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions designed to educate residential solar energy consumers at https://riag.ri.gov/solar.

What are my options if I would like to cancel a contract with a solar retailer?

The Department of Business Regulation oversees the registration and renewal of residential solar retailers in Rhode Island and cannot provide legal advice related to individual residential solar agreements.

If you have a complaint regarding solar panel purchase, you may contact the Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General Consumer and Economic Justice Unit at https://riag.ri.gov/solar.