summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that "plug-in solar energy system" means a moveable photovoltaic generation device that (i) may or may not include an energy storage system; (ii) exports no more than 1,200 watts to an outlet; (iii) is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard outlet; (iv) is intended primarily to offset part of an eligible customer's electricity consumption; and (v) is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory. Provides that an electricity provider shall not require an eligible customer who uses, or intends to install and use, a plug-in solar energy system to do certain actions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system is exempt from interconnection requirements under provisions concerning net electricity metering and any rules adopted pursuant to those provisions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system is not eligible for net electricity metering or any distributed generation rebate. Provides that an electricity provider is not liable for any damage or injury caused by an eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less is exempt from any product listing standard that would require alterations to a building's premises, wiring, or electrical panels. Provides that landlords, homeowners' associations, common interest community associations, and condominium unit owners' associations shall not adopt, enforce, or attempt to enforce any restriction, covenant, bylaw, regulation, lease stipulation, or other rule that directly or indirectly restricts, prohibits, or imposes unreasonable conditions on the installation, use, or operation of a plug-in solar energy system. Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, and the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act. Provides that "solar energy system" includes a plug-in solar energy system. Makes other changes.
AI Summary
This bill defines a "plug-in solar energy system" as a portable solar power device that can be plugged into a standard outlet, generates up to 1,200 watts, and is certified by a recognized testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratories, primarily intended to reduce an eligible customer's electricity usage. It prohibits electricity providers from requiring approval, fees, or extra equipment for these systems and exempts them from interconnection rules, though they are not eligible for net electricity metering (a system where excess electricity sent back to the grid is credited) or distributed generation rebates. The bill also clarifies that electricity providers are not liable for damages caused by these systems, and smaller systems (391 watts or less) are exempt from building code alterations. Furthermore, it prevents landlords and homeowner associations from enforcing rules that unreasonably restrict the installation or use of these plug-in solar energy systems, making such restrictions void. The bill also amends other codes to include plug-in solar energy systems within the broader definition of "solar energy system."
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
To Utilities Subcommittee (on 02/24/2026)
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