101.175 Local energy resource systems.

(1) In this section:

(a) “Local energy resource system" means a solar energy system, a wind energy system or a wood energy system.

(b) “Solar energy system" means equipment which directly converts and then transfers or stores solar energy into usable forms of thermal or electrical energy.

(c) “Wind energy system" means equipment which converts and then transfers or stores energy from the wind into usable forms of energy.

(d) “Wood energy system" means a woodburning stove or furnace.

(1m) The purpose of this section is to establish statewide local energy resource system standards to promote accurate consumer evaluation of local energy resource systems and components thereof.

(2) Any manufacturer or retailer prior to the sale in this state of any local energy resource system or components thereof may request the department to issue a seal of quality for each system or component which meets or exceeds the quality standards established by the department under sub. (4).

(3) The department, in consultation with the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection, shall establish by rule quality standards for local energy resource systems which do not impede development of innovative systems but which do:

(a) Promote accurate consumer evaluation of local energy resource systems and components thereof.

(b) Conform, where feasible, with national performance standards promulgated or recognized by the federal government for local energy resource systems.

(c) Promote the production, marketing and installation of local energy resource systems.

(4) The quality standards under sub. (3) shall include but are not limited to:

(a) The requirement of a warranty and minimum requirements for the contents thereof.

(b) The requirement of an operation and maintenance manual and minimum requirements for the contents thereof.

(c) Minimum specifications for materials, workmanship, durability and efficiency.

(5) Upon request by any manufacturer or retailer of any local energy resource system or components thereof which meet or exceed the quality standards established under sub. (4), the department shall issue an appropriate seal of quality. The department may charge a fee to cover the cost of the seal and to cover the cost of examining the system or its components.

(6) Misrepresentation, misuse or duplication of the department seal of quality issued under sub. (5) shall be deemed deceptive advertising under s. 100.18 (9m).

(7) At the request of any buyer of a local energy resource system the department may inspect any local energy resource system necessary to ascertain compliance with this section.

History: 1979 c. 350; 1983 a. 27 s. 2202 (25); 1985 a. 120; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.