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Solar Energy System Restitution Program (SESRP)

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has received special, one-time funding from the Legislature for a Solar Energy System Restitution Program. This program is intended to provide up to $40,000 in restitution to homeowners who suffered an unpaid financial loss after contracting for the installation of a solar energy system. Restitution payments will only be available until appropriated funds are exhausted. Claimants must meet specific criteria, and CSLB has exclusive authority to determine who is eligible for payment from the fund. To be eligible:

• You must have entered into a contract for the installation of a solar energy system on or after January 1, 2016
• Your home is a single-family residence, and the solar system was installed at that residence.
• The contract and/or the installed system showed evidence of poor workmanship, incomplete work, fraud, misrepresentation, work not completed for the agreed-upon price, or other violations of Contractors’ License Law.
• You suffered a financial injury or loss as a result of the contractor’s actions.

If any of the following situations apply, you are eligible for assistance and should submit a claim form as soon as possible.

• I previously filed a complaint with CSLB about my contractor which resulted in disciplinary action. (Please enter the CSLB complaint number, if known)
• A civil court has already heard this matter, court proceedings have ended,  you received a judgment award against the contractor, but that judgment has not been paid. (Please attach a certified copy of the civil court judgment with the dollar amount of damages.)
• This matter was previously heard in criminal court, proceedings have ended, a financial injury or restitution order was established, and you have not been paid. (Please attach a certified minute order or other court document showing the amount of financial injury or restitution.)

If not, you may be still be eligible for the fund but you will need to provide additional information and may need to have your claim arbitrated to determine eligibility.

If you do not have an attorney, you can still file complaints on your own.  The following agencies accept complaints about PACE:

• The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.  Self-help guides are available in English and Spanish.
• The Contractors’ State License Board.
• The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• The Contractors’ State License Board Solar Restitution Fund. Full explanation of the process is available here.
• Your local Department of Consumer and Business Affairs may also take complaints about PACE.
• Your local police department, if your complaint involves identity theft, forgery, intimidation, harassment, or other criminal activity.

When filing any complaint:

• Be as clear and specific as you can when describing what happened, and be truthful – the statements you make can be used as evidence.
• Send copies (not originals) of any documents that support your complaint. These might include: the home improvement contract, the assessment contract, business cards, photographs, emails, letters and text messages, etc.
• Make and keep a copy of anything you send.
• If you are mailing a complaint, send it with a tracking number if possible.