Nevada is taking a major step forward in supporting rooftop solar adoption and safeguarding consumer rights with the recent passage and signing of Senate Bills 379 and 440. The bills, which were championed by solar advocates and signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, aim to boost transparency in solar financing, ensure homeowners’ access to solar installations within homeowners associations (HOAs), and streamline utility processes related to net metering.
Nevada Celebrates Legislative Wins for Stronger Solar Standards and Consumer Protection
According to Solar Power World, the Nevada Solar Association applauded the legislative wins, noting that these measures mark a pivotal moment for both industry standards and consumer protection in the state’s clean energy sector.
“These bills represent years of work to raise the bar for transparency, accountability and fairness in Nevada’s solar market,” said Steve Hamile, chair of the Nevada Solar Association. “We thank the Legislature and Governor for recognizing the importance of protecting homeowners while expanding access to clean energy.”
Senate Bill 379: Tougher safeguards for solar financing
SB 379, sponsored by Senator Fabian Doñate, introduces several new consumer protection measures designed to ensure that homeowners fully understand the financial arrangements involved in purchasing or leasing solar energy systems. The bill directly addresses concerns about deceptive marketing practices and inadequate disclosure in solar sales and financing.
Among the bill’s key provisions are mandatory oversight by financiers to confirm that solar installers are properly licensed, as well as stronger disclosure requirements for loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. These disclosures are aimed at helping consumers make informed decisions before entering into long-term solar contracts.
The legislation also introduces an extended cancellation window, particularly for senior citizens, allowing more time to reconsider contracts after signing. In addition, SB 379 places restrictions on early payment collection and misleading sales tactics that have raised concerns in recent years.
Senate Bill 440: Expanding solar access for homeowners and improving timelines
Complementing the consumer protection focus of SB 379, Senate Bill 440 addresses structural barriers that have previously delayed or denied rooftop solar installation in HOAs. Sponsored by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, SB 440 ensures that Nevada homeowners living in HOA communities have more reliable access to solar technology.
Specifically, the bill requires HOAs to respond to rooftop solar installation requests within a defined window of 15 to 35 days. It also strengthens contract clarity by outlining the rights of homeowners and placing limits on overly restrictive HOA requirements that have sometimes served as a barrier to adoption.
SB 440 additionally tackles delays in utility coordination by requiring public utilities to accelerate their response timelines for net metering approvals and system connection. This provision is expected to significantly improve the customer experience and reduce the backlog for rooftop solar projects waiting to go online.
Together, SB 379 and SB 440 represent a coordinated effort to remove hurdles facing solar customers while enhancing trust in Nevada’s growing residential solar market.
The Nevada Solar Association emphasized that these reforms are the result of years of collaborative work between legislators, industry stakeholders, and advocates.
As the state continues its transition toward a cleaner energy future, these new policies help ensure that Nevadans are better protected, better informed, and better equipped to participate in the solar revolution.