Sunshine on Solar Lending Act

This bill aims to make the true cost of home solar financing clear and fair. Companies that offer solar loans must clearly list every dealer fee and other charge in writing, name any third parties involved, and show a simple comparison of the financed amount (with fees) to the total cash price for each product and service, like panels, installation, and maintenance. If the deal is made in person, you must get a paper copy of these disclosures. Solar loan contracts also cannot force you into arbitration, so you can take disputes to court if needed.

It also makes sure certain dealer fees count as part of the cost of credit, so they are included in what you pay. The rules cover financing for solar panels, inverters, battery storage systems, electric vehicle chargers, and related equipment. These changes respond to concerns that some fees were hidden or left out of cost calculations in the past.

• Who is affected: Homeowners using solar financing, plus the lenders and solar sales partners who offer these loans.
• What changes: Clear written fee disclosures and third-party identification; side‑by‑side financed vs. cash price comparisons; paper copies for in‑person sales; no mandatory arbitration; dealer fees treated as part of the cost of credit.
• When: Takes effect no later than 60 days after it becomes law and applies to new solar financing deals made on or after that date.