Bill > HB846

This bill modifies provisions for solar energy systems by updating the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, primarily expanding opportunities for solar energy generation and installation. The bill increases the total rated generating capacity for net metering systems from 5% to 15% of a retail electric supplier's peak load, and raises the annual interconnection application limit from 1% to 2%. It introduces virtual net metering, allows customer-generators to apply credits to their electricity bill anytime within a 12-month period instead of just the next billing cycle, and reduces the system size threshold for simplified interconnection from 10 to 1 kilowatt. The bill also requires the public service commission to create a unified solar permit and inspection form and automated permitting software by January 1, 2026. For homeowners' associations, the bill prohibits restrictions on solar panel installations, specifying that "reasonable rules" cannot include aesthetic considerations and cannot specifically prohibit street-facing solar panels. Homeowners' associations must now approve or deny solar panel applications within 30 days, or the application is automatically considered approved. The bill aims to make solar energy installation easier and more accessible for Missouri residents by reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining the interconnection and permitting processes.

Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB846&year=2025&code=R