Bill > H0598

This bill defines a "portable solar energy generation device" as a movable solar power system with a maximum output of 1,200 watts, designed to plug into a building's electrical system to offset energy use, and equipped with safety features to prevent backfeeding power during an outage. Crucially, the bill exempts these devices from needing a "certificate of public good," which is a permit typically required for energy projects, and from needing an "interconnection agreement" with an electric company, which is a formal arrangement for connecting to the power grid. While installation will be simplified, the Public Utility Commission will create a basic notification form for customers to submit to their electric company after installation, and electric companies cannot charge fees or require extra equipment for these devices. However, these portable solar devices will not be eligible for "net metering," a billing mechanism that credits customers for excess electricity sent back to the grid, and those installed in public buildings must still comply with fire and building safety codes.