Purpose

This bill creates rules for a new type of solar device called a plugin solar photovoltaic device. Its goal is to let people use portable solar devices to offset part of their electricity use without going through some of the traditional utility requirements, while ensuring safety and proper certification.

Key Definitions

• Energy storage system: A system defined elsewhere in state law (used here to describe how the device can pair with storage).
• Photovoltaic device: A solar panel or similar system defined elsewhere in state law.
• Plugin solar photovoltaic device: A portable solar device that (a) is intended mainly to offset some of a customer’s electricity use, (b) has a maximum output of 1200 watts, (c) can connect to an on-site energy storage system, and (d) is listed or certified as compliant with requirements for interactive plugin photovoltaic equipment and systems by a testing lab recognized under OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program.

Main Provisions

• Device characteristics: Establishes a portable solar device with up to 1200 watts output that can connect to on-site storage and must be certified by a recognized lab as meeting interactive plugin photovoltaic equipment and systems standards.
• Interconnection and net metering exemptions: Plugin solar photovoltaic devices are exempt from:
  • The requirement to enter an interconnection agreement with an electric utility.
  • Net metering provisions in the cited statute.
  • Certain fee, condition approval, or reporting requirements that an electric utility imposes related to the installation or operation of these devices.
• Utility liability: Electric utilities are not liable for damage or injuries caused by a plugin solar photovoltaic device.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• creates a new category of solar device with a streamlined regulatory pathway, removing some traditional utilities’ interconnection, net metering, and related reporting obligations for these devices.
• Adds a safety and reliability requirement through listing/certification by a testing laboratory recognized under OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program to ensure devices meet “interactive plugin photovoltaic equipment and systems” standards.
• Delineates liability shifts so utilities are not responsible for harm caused by these portable devices.

Potential Implications

• Consumers gain easier access to portable solar energy that can directly offset electricity use, without needing interconnection agreements or net metering arrangements.
• The 1200-watt limit and certification requirements are intended to balance consumer access with safety considerations.
• Utilities avoid certain administrative processes for these devices, but remain responsible for other aspects of the grid and safety oversight.

Limitations and Considerations

• The exemption applies specifically to interconnection, net metering, and certain utility reporting/fee requirements; other regulatory or safety requirements may still apply.
• The devices must be portable and capable of integrating with on-site energy storage to qualify.

Summary

The bill adds a defined category of plug-in solar devices that are portable, up to 1200 watts, able to connect with on-site storage, and certified by OSHA-recognized labs as meeting specific interactive photovoltaic standards. These devices are exempt from interconnection agreements with utilities, net metering rules, and some utility-imposed fees or reporting. Utilities are not liable for damage or injury caused by these devices. The overall aim is to expand access to portable solar energy while maintaining safety and limiting regulatory red tape.

Relevant Terms plugin solar photovoltaic device portable photovoltaic device on-site energy storage system energy storage system photovoltaic device interactive plugin photovoltaic equipment and systems interconnection agreement net metering electric utility OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory certified/listed maximum 1200 watts testing laboratory liability exemption