Bill > HB5764

This bill amends Michigan's "Clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act" to create new regulations for small, portable solar power devices. Specifically, it allows customers of electric providers to install and use "plug-in photovoltaic systems" without needing approval from their electric provider or paying associated fees, and exempts them from certain program and interconnection requirements. A "plug-in photovoltaic system" is defined as a portable solar device with a maximum output of 1,200 watts, designed to plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, primarily to reduce a customer's electricity use, and equipped with a safety feature to prevent it from powering the building's electrical system during an outage, while also needing to meet national electric code standards and be certified by a recognized testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratories. Customers installing these systems must notify their electric provider within 30 days of installation, and the state's commission will develop a standardized notice form. The bill also clarifies that electric providers are not liable for any damage or injury caused by these customer-installed systems.