PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICES

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Portable Solar Energy Devices

This act exempts portable solar generation devices from certain utility regulations if they meet specific requirements.

What This Bill Does

• Exempts portable solar generation devices with a maximum power output of up to 1,200 watts from utility interconnection and net metering program requirements.
• Requires these devices to follow the most recent version of the National Electrical Code and be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent testing lab.
• Prohibits electric utilities from requiring customers to get approval before installing or using a portable solar generation device that meets the specified criteria.
• Prevents utilities from charging fees related to the use of these devices or demanding additional equipment beyond what is already integrated into the device.

Who It Names or Affects

• Electric utility companies
• Customers who own and use portable solar energy devices

Terms To Know

Portable Solar Generation Device

A moveable photovoltaic generation device that can be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard outlet and is primarily used to reduce electricity consumption.

Net Metering Program

A utility program where customers who generate their own electricity (like with solar panels) can receive credits for the excess power they send back to the grid.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if a portable solar generation device exceeds the maximum power output of 1,200 watts.
• It is unclear how utilities will enforce compliance with the National Electrical Code and certification requirements.

Official Summary Text

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

Current Bill Text

HB0257a -1- HB 257
New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]

34-LS1203\A

HOUSE BILL NO. 257

IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA

THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION

BY REPRESENTATIVES EISCHEID, Costello

Introduced: 1/20/26
Referred: House Special Committee on Energy, Community and Regional Affairs

A BILL

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED

"An Act relating to the regulation of residential solar energy generation and portable 1
solar generation devices." 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA: 3
* Section 1. AS 42.05 is amended by adding a new section to read: 4
Sec. 42.05.323. Portable solar generation devices. (a) A portable solar 5
generation device is exempt from utility interconnection and net metering program 6
requirements adopted by the commission if the device 7
(1) has a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts; 8
(2) meets the standards of the most recent version of the National 9
Electrical Code; and 10
(3) is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent 11
nationally recognized testing laboratory. 12
(b) An electric utility may not require a customer using a portable solar 13
generation device that meets the requirements of (a) of this section to 14
34-LS1203\A
HB 257 -2- HB0257a
New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]

(1) obtain the electric utility's approval before installing or using the 1
device; 2
(2) pay a fee or charge related to the device; or 3
(3) install additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated 4
into the device. 5
(c) An electric utility is not liable for any damage or injury caused by a 6
portable solar generation device that meets the requirements in (a) of this section. 7
(d) In this section, "portable solar generation device" means a moveable 8
photovoltaic generation device that is designed to be 9
(1) connected to a building's electrical system through a standard 120-10
volt alternating current outlet; and 11
(2) used primarily to offset part of an electric utility customer's 12
electricity consumption. 13