Sunny Arizona is again in the middle of a nationwide debate
between solar companies and utilities. Legislation adopted in March
2015, and which goes into effect on January 1, 2016, mandate
certain disclosures and formats for leases used by rooftop solar
companies, such as disclosure of the total lifetime cost of the
system and the use of ten point typeface.
Proponents support the new rules as consumer protection
legislation. Opponents have viewed the rules as unnecessary and as
an additional burden aimed at generating fears and discouraging
solar rooftop adoption.
The long-term lease model generally allows for customers to
enjoy the benefits of solar power without having to expend
substantial sums in setup costs. In a typical long-term solar panel
lease arrangement, the homeowner will pay a monthly fee to the
solar company to cover the costs of the panels over a relatively
long period of time (often, 20 years). The cost of installation and
maintenance of the panels
