This bill introduces regulations for "plug-in solar generation systems," defined as movable photovoltaic systems that connect to a building's electrical system through a non-permanent connection. Each metered customer is allowed one such system with a maximum inverter output of 1,200 watts AC. The bill exempts compliant systems from utility approval, interconnection reviews, and related fees, provided they are certified to national safety standards and installed according to the state building code and manufacturer instructions. The Department of Energy is tasked with maintaining consumer information on these systems and ensuring that electric distribution utilities are not liable for damages arising from customer-installed systems.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the building code review board amend the state building code to address the use of plug-in solar generation systems. It also clarifies that electric distribution utilities must not impose additional requirements beyond those integrated into the systems. The bill deletes previous language regarding interconnection requirements and adds new standards from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratory (UL), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The provisions of the bill will take effect once nationally recognized standards for plug-in solar systems are established, with the remainder of the act set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 362-A:1-a
As Amended by the Senate: 362-A:1-a, 362-A:9
As Amended by the House: 362-A:1-a, 362-A:9
Version adopted by both bodies: 362-A:1-a, 362-A:9
SB540 text: 362-A:1-a