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HB2486
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
2486
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to solar energy
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that solar energy has
become one of the most cost-effective and clean energy sources in the
world.
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Hawaii has long capitalized on the
State's abundant sunlight by using large-scale solar farms to power electric
utilities and rooftop solar systems to serve individual households.
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Hawaii currently leads the nation in rooftop
solar installations per capita, and advancements in technology continue to make
solar energy more accessible and affordable for the State's residents.
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The legislature further finds that
portable solar generation devices, also known as "balcony solar" or
"plug-in solar" devices, offer new opportunities for families to
generate their own electricity.
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These
devices are particularly advantageous to residents of apartments, other rental
properties, and small businesses.
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Apartment residents can safely install units on balconies or patios, and
renters can easily relocate their systems when they move to a new home.
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The legislature recognizes that
portable solar generation devices have significantly lower upfront costs than
rooftop solar systems and can be installed by consumers without any specialized
training.
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A typical portable solar
generation device costs less than $2,500.
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Although the devices produce less electricity than typical rooftop solar
systems, they can supply enough power to operate common household appliances like
lights, televisions, computers, and refrigerators.
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The devices can help offset residents'
consumption of electricity and help save on customers' electricity bills.
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The legislature notes that a
portable solar generation device is installed by plugging it in to a standard
household electricity outlet.
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Electricity generated by the device is used by appliances connected to
the home's other outlets.
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Built-in
safety features prevent electricity from flowing onto the grid during a power
outage, and any surplus energy generated cannot be sold to the electric utility.
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The legislature also notes that,
while surplus energy cannot be sold, it can be stored in a battery, which
allows users to save electricity produced during the day for use at night or at
other times when there is little sun.
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Although batteries remain relatively expensive, costs are decreasing,
and combining these systems can yield long-term savings on a household's overall
electricity expenses and provide benefits to the electric grid.
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The legislature believes that establishing
a clear regulatory framework for portable solar generation devices will help
encourage safe and efficient use of the devices; expand access to clean,
renewable energy; promote equity among electricity consumers; lower electricity
bills; and advance Hawaii's clean energy goals.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act
is to establish standards and registration requirements for the use of portable
solar generation devices in the State.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding two new sections to part I to be appropriately designated and
to read as follows:
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�269-
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Portable
solar generation devices.
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(a)
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Each
portable solar generation device used in the State shall be:
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(1)
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Exempt from the net metering program
requirements set out in part VI of this chapter, any reliability standards and
interconnection requirements established pursuant to section 269-143, and procedures
for interconnection established pursuant to section 269‑145;
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(2)
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Eligible for installation and use by an
electric utility customer without:
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(A)
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Obtaining
the electric utility company's approval;
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(B)
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Paying
to the electric utility company any fee or charge related to the use of the
device; or
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(C)
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Installing
any controls or equipment beyond the controls or equipment that are integrated
into the device; and
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(3)
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Registered with
the public utilities commission under section 269-
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(b)
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The maximum aggregate rated power output of
all portable solar generation devices connected to the electrical meter shall
not exceed 1,200 watts.
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(c)
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No
electric utility company shall be liable for any damage or injury caused by a
portable solar generation device.
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269-
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Registering
portable solar generation devices.
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The public utilities commission shall establish
and maintain an online system for registering portable solar generation
devices; provided that no fee shall be charged to the customer for the
registration.
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SECTION 3.
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Section 269-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as
follows:
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"Portable solar
generation device" means a movable photovoltaic generation device that:
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(1)
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Has a maximum aggregate
rated power output of one thousand two hundred watts or less;
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(2)
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Is designed to
be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard one hundred
twenty volt alternating current outlet;
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(3)
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Is intended
primarily to offset part of the customer's consumption of electricity from an
electric utility company;
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(4)
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Includes
a mechanism to prevent the device from
energizing the electric utility's distribution system during a power outage;
and
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(5)
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Is certified,
or each part of which is certified, by Underwriters Laboratories or an
equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act does not affect rights and duties
that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun
before its effective date.
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SECTION 5.
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New statutory material is underscored.
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SECTION 6.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
PUC; Portable
Solar Generation Device; Requirements; Registration
Description:
Defines
and provides requirements for the use of a portable solar generation device.
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Requires each portable solar generation device
to be registered with the Public Utilities Commission.
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Provides that electric utility companies are
not liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation
device.
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Requires the Public Utilities
Commission to establish and maintain an online system for registering a
portable solar generation device, at no cost to the customer.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.