Purpose

• Establish rules for a type of consumer-owned solar device called a plugin solar photovoltaic device.
• Create a clear definition and carve-out from certain utility requirements to facilitate use of these portable solar devices that can offset electricity use.

Key Definitions

• Energy storage system: As defined in a related section (216B.2422, subdivision 1).
• Photovoltaic device: As defined in section 216C.06, subdivision 1.
• Plugin solar photovoltaic device: A portable photovoltaic device that:
  • is intended to offset a portion of a customer’s electricity consumption,
  • has a maximum output of 1200 watts,
  • can connect with an onsite energy storage system,
  • is listed or certified as compliant with interactive plugin photovoltaic equipment and systems requirements by a testing laboratory recognized under OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program.

Main Provisions

• Creates a new rule in Minnesota law (216B.2429) for plugin solar photovoltaic devices.
• Set of requirements for a device to be considered a plugin solar photovoltaic device, including portability, 1200-watt limit, on-site storage compatibility, and formal certification from an OSHA-recognized testing laboratory.

Exemptions and Liability

• Exemptions granted to plugin solar photovoltaic devices:
  • No need to enter an interconnection agreement with an electric utility.
  • No need to follow net metering provisions (section 216B.164) for these devices.
  • No need to comply with certain utility-imposed fee, condition, approval, or reporting requirements related to installation or operation of these devices.
• Liability clarification:
  • An electric utility is not liable for damage or injury caused by a plugin solar photovoltaic device.

Relationship to Existing Law

• Establishes a special carve-out from interconnection, net metering, and certain regulatory requirements for qualifying plugin solar photovoltaic devices.
• Aligns with safety certification standards by tying device qualification to OSHA-recognized testing laboratories.

Impact and Practical Implications

• Makes it easier for consumers to use portable solar devices without engaging in interconnection processes or net metering arrangements.
• Shifts some regulatory burden away from utilities for these devices while emphasizing safety Certification.

Significant Changes to Law

• Introduces a new category of device with specific criteria and exemptions.
• Removes requirements for interconnection, net metering, and certain regulatory oversight for qualifying devices.
• Clarifies that utilities are not responsible for damages or injuries from these devices.

Relevant Terms - plugin solar photovoltaic device - photovoltaic device - energy storage system - interconnection agreement - net metering - electric utility - on-site energy storage - interactive plugin photovoltaic equipment and systems - testing laboratory - Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) - OSHA - portable photovoltaic device - maximum 1200 watts - liability for damage or injury