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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB257

Rules for Portable Solar Devices in Alaska

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law exempts small, portable solar devices from certain utility rules and fees if they meet specific safety standards.

What it does

  • Exempts qualifying portable solar devices from utility interconnection and net metering program requirements.
  • Limits device power output to a maximum of 1,200 watts.
  • Requires devices to meet National Electrical Code standards and be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent lab.
  • Stops electric utilities from requiring approval before installation for qualifying devices.
  • Prohibits electric utilities from charging fees related to these devices.
  • Prevents electric utilities from requiring customers to install extra equipment beyond what is in the device.
  • Removes liability for electric utilities if a certified portable solar device causes damage or injury.

Who it affects

  • Alaska residents who use small, moveable solar power systems that meet specific requirements.
  • Electric utility companies serving customers with these devices in Alaska.

Limits and unknowns

  • The exemption only applies if the device plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet.
  • Devices must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • The official text provided does not state when this law officially takes effect.

Plain language

Terms to know

Portable solar generation device
A moveable solar power system designed to plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and help reduce electricity use from the utility grid.
Net metering program requirements
Rules that usually apply when customers generate their own electricity, which this law exempts for qualifying portable devices.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICES An Act relating to the regulation of residential solar energy generation and portable solar generation devices.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) COSPONSOR(S): CARRICK2427
  2. (H) Heard & Held -- Please Note Time Change --Text
  3. (H) ENERGY at 01:30 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  4. (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
  5. (H) ENERGY at 01:30 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  6. (H) Heard & Held -- Please Note Time Change --Text
  7. (H) ENERGY at 01:30 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  8. (H) Heard & Held -- Please Note Time Change --Text
  9. (H) ENERGY at 01:30 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  10. (H) COSPONSOR(S): COSTELLO1574
  11. (H) REFERRED TO ENERGY1452
  12. (H) ENE, CRA1452
  13. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1452
  14. (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/16/261452