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SB2303 • 2026

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Energy
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
FUKUNAGA, CHANG, DECOITE, MCKELVEY, RHOADS, RICHARDS, SAN BUENAVENTURA, Ihara
Last action
2026-01-26
Official status
Referred to EIG, CPN/JDC.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

What This Bill Does

  • RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
  • Renewable Energy; Portable Solar Generation Devices Creates exemptions from interconnection requirements for portable solar generation devices.
  • Establishes basic safety requirements for portable solar generation devices.
  • Provides liability protections for electric utilities.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-26 S

    Referred to EIG, CPN/JDC.

  2. 2026-01-21 S

    Introduced and passed First Reading.

  3. 2026-01-15 S

    Pending Introduction.

Official Summary Text

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
Renewable Energy; Portable Solar Generation Devices
Creates exemptions from interconnection requirements for portable solar generation devices. Establishes basic safety requirements for portable solar generation devices. Provides liability protections for electric utilities.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
SB2303

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2303

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to renewable energy
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION 1.
�
The legislature finds that with federal solar
tax credits expiring ahead of schedule, households may seek alternative options
to reduce energy costs.
�
Portable
"plug‑in" solar power devices offer a more flexible option than
traditional renewable energy installations to reduce energy costs, particularly
for households in condominiums or other multi-unit properties.

����
Accordingly,
the purpose of this act is to clarify the exemptions and requirements for the
use of portable solar generation devices, and provide liability protections for
electric utilities.

����
SECTION
2.
�
Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:

"
Part
�
PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICES

����
�196-
�
Definitions.

�
As
used in this part:

����
"Portable solar generation device" means a moveable
photovoltaic generation device that:

����
(1)
�
Has a maximum power output of not
more than one thousand two hundred watts;

����
(2)
�
Is designed to be connected to a
building's electrical system through a standard one hundred twenty volt
alternating current outlet;

����
(3)
�
Is intended primarily to offset part
of the user's electricity consumption;

����
(4)
�
Meets the standards of the most
recent version of the National Electrical Code; and

����
(5)
�
Is certified by Underwriters Laboratories
or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.

����
�196-
�
Portable solar generation devices;
exemptions; requirements.
�
(a)
�

A portable solar generation device that meets the requirements of this
part shall be:

����
(1)
�
Exempt from interconnection
requirements as described in section 269-142; and

����
(2)
�
Not subject to net energy metering
as described in part VI of chapter 269.

����
(b)
�

A portable solar generation
device shall include a device or feature that prevents the system from
energizing the building's electrical system during a power outage.

����
(c)
�

An electric utility:

����
(1)
�
Shall not require a customer using a
portable solar generation device to:

���������
(A)
�
Obtain the electric utility's
approval before installing or using the system;

���������
(B)
�
Pay any fee or charge related to the
system; or

���������
(C)
�
Install any additional controls or
equipment beyond what is integrated into the system; and

����
(2)
�
Shall not be liable for any damage
or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.
"

����
SECTION
3.
�
New statutory material is
underscored.

����
SECTION
4.
�
This Act shall take effect upon its
approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Renewable
Energy; Portable Solar Generation Devices

Description:

Creates
exemptions from interconnection requirements for portable solar generation
devices.
�
Establishes basic safety
requirements for portable solar generation devices.
�
Provides liability protections for electric
utilities.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.