AN ACT CONCERNING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS REGARDING RESIDENTIAL SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS.
SB 233 modifies exemptions for solar energy work under state law, specifically adding new provisions to exempt certain solar installation activities from licensing requirements. The bill creates an exemption (point 17) allowing solar contractors to perform work like hoisting solar panels, mounting racking systems, and installing ground supports for large solar facilities (over 25 megawatts) without full licensing. This directly affects solar contractors and developers of commercial-scale solar projects by simplifying installation processes for specific tasks. The change takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not create new consumer protections but adjusts regulatory scope for solar contractors.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
May 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 18, 2026
Signed May 19, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Raised Bill
→
GL Joint Favorable Substitute
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered as a Substitute Bill and its title was updated to explicitly include energy storage systems. The most significant change is a complete rewrite of the definitions section, which now separately defines 'consumer goods' and 'consumer services' to clearly include residential solar and energy storage systems. This clarifies that these specific systems are treated as consumer goods for the purposes of the act, ensuring they receive the same consumer protections as other household purchases.
Scope change
The bill's scope was broadened to explicitly cover residential energy storage systems alongside solar photovoltaic systems. The applicability of the act's definitions was refined to ensure clarity on what constitutes a protected consumer good.
DEFINITION
The definitions section was completely restructured. The old single definition for 'consumer goods' was split into separate definitions for 'consumer good' and 'consumer service'. Both new definitions now explicitly include residential solar photovoltaic systems and residential energy storage systems.
The title of the act was changed from 'Solar Contractors' to 'Consumer Protections Regarding Residential Solar and Energy Storage Systems', reflecting the expanded scope to include battery storage.
TECHNICAL
The bill was reclassified from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill', indicating it has been amended and is in its final form for consideration.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 29, 2026 · House May 1, 2026
How they voted
36–0
Passed
Total votes 36
Apr 29, 2026
D
Democratic25
100% Yea
R
Republican11
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
34
Key actions
9
Committee
5
Amendments
2
May 19, 2026
Signed into law
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
upper
May 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
HOUSE PASSED, SEN. AMEND. SCH. A
lower
May 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
HOUSE ADOPTED SEN. AMEND. SCH. A
lower
Apr 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
SEN. PASSED, SEN. AMEND. SCH. A
upper
Apr 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
SEN. ADOPTED SEN. AMEND. SCH. A
upper
Apr 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable
upper
Apr 15, 2026
Upper · Passed
IMMEDIATE TRANSMITTAL TO COMMITTEE
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
upper
Feb 18, 2026
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON General Law
upper
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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