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Lawmakers eye new solar panel regulations

Old (a vintage farm) and new (one of several solar panels on the property) in Highland Township, Pennsylvania.
Photographer: Carol M. Highsmith
Old (a vintage farm) and new (one of several solar panels on the property) in Highland Township, Pennsylvania.

Georgia lawmakers are looking to regulate the installation of rooftop solar panels, saying some companies are ripping off consumers.

The House Energy, Telecommunications and Utilities Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to advance HB73, which would require companies that install panels to residences to be certified by the state Public Service
Commission and to make certain basic disclosures to consumers

The Georgia Solar Energy Association opposes the bill because it sees the five member elected PSC as a foe to rooftop solar.

Under the measure, beginning January 1, every company selling solar panels would have to get a certificate showing that all employees that would visit a buyer's property have been subjected to criminal background checks, that it has enough money to fulfill its obligations, and that its contact data is publicly accessible.