Bill
Bill > SB250
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
03/12/2026
03/12/2026
Passed
04/22/2026
04/22/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/22/2026
04/22/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices; local regulation; installation by tenants; consumer protection. Prevents a locality from prohibiting the use of a small portable solar generation device, as defined in the bill, on a residential structure, provided that certain requirements are met. The bill includes provisions related to the installation of small portable solar generation devices by tenants and prevents landlords from prohibiting such installation in certain circumstances. Under the bill, small portable solar generation devices are excluded from the provisions of net metering programs applicable to eligible agricultural customer-generators, eligible customer-generators, or small agricultural generating facilities. The bill also permits any electric utility customer to own and operate a small portable solar generation device, provided that certain requirements are met. The bill prohibits an investor-owned utility, municipal utility, or electric cooperative from imposing interconnection requirements, charging any fee related to the device, or requiring that the customer obtain the utility's approval before installing or using the device. Under the bill, no electric utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative shall be liable for damage or injury caused by a small portable solar generation device. The bill directs the State Corporation Commission to develop and publish a notification form for a customer of an electric utility or cooperative to install a small portable solar generation device and directs the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or his designee, to convene a work group to evaluate and develop recommendations regarding the safety standards and requirements applicable to small portable solar generation devices. Certain provisions of the bill become effective on January 1, 2027. This bill is identical to HB 395.
AI Summary
This bill aims to regulate the use of small portable solar generation devices, which are defined as movable photovoltaic devices with a maximum power output of 1,200 watts per dwelling unit, designed to connect to a building's electrical outlet, and equipped with safety features to prevent exporting power to the grid or affecting the building's electrical system during an outage. It prevents localities from prohibiting these devices on residential structures if they meet certain safety and zoning requirements, and it allows tenants to install them on the exterior of their rented premises, provided they notify their landlord and the device meets the specified standards, with tenants being responsible for any damages. The bill also clarifies that these small portable solar devices are excluded from net metering programs, which are designed for larger solar installations to offset electricity consumption and receive credit for excess energy sent back to the grid. Furthermore, electric utilities, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives are prohibited from imposing interconnection requirements, fees, or seeking approval for these small portable devices, and they are also shielded from liability for any damages or injuries caused by them. The State Corporation Commission is tasked with creating a simple notification form for customers installing these devices, and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade will convene a work group to further evaluate and recommend safety standards for them, with some provisions taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0998) (on 04/22/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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