RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

SB3003

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3003

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:

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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that solar energy has
become the most cost-effective source of electricity in the world.
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Forty-three per cent of single-family homes in
Hawaii have installed rooftop solar systems, reducing the cost of power for
each of those households, and providing aggregate energy onto the electric grid
and helping to avoid the need for all ratepayers to pay for additional
generation capacity.
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However, homes
without adequate rooftop space have often been unable to take advantage of
innovative solar technology to reduce their own bills.

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The
legislature further finds that affordable portable solar generation devices, commonly
referred to as "balcony solar" or "plug-in solar", offer
new opportunities for families to generate their own electricity.
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These systems typically cost less than $1,000
and are particularly advantageous to residents of apartments and rental
properties.
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Apartment dwellers can
install units on balconies, and renters can easily relocate their systems when
they move to a new home.

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The
legislature further finds that although these devices produce less electricity
than typical rooftop systems, they can supply enough power to operate common
household appliances such as lights, televisions, computers, and refrigerators.

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Once installed, a portable solar
generation device plugs into a standard household electrical outlet.
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Electricity generated by the device is used by
appliances connected to the home's other outlets, while built-in safety
features prevent electricity from flowing into the grid.
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Any surplus generation is unused and cannot be
sold to the electric utility.

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The
legislature therefore finds that establishing a clear regulatory framework for
portable solar generation devices will encourage their safe and effective use,
expand access to clean, renewable energy, and most importantly help families
reduce their cost of electricity.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to create a regulatory framework to support and
expand 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 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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No portable solar generation device shall be
subject to the net metering program requirements under this chapter.

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(b)
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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.

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(c)
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No electric utility company shall
require a customer using a portable solar generation device to:

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(1)
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Obtain the electric utility
company's approval to install or use the device;

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(2)
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Pay any fee or charge related to the
device; or

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(3)
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Install any additional controls or
equipment beyond what is integrated into the device.

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(d)
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No electric utility company s
hall
be liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.

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�269-
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Registration; portable solar generation
devices.
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The public utilities commission shall
establish and maintain an online system for registration of portable solar
generation devices.
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The public utilities
commission may delegate this responsibility to any person.
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No fee shall be required for registration.
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SECTION
3.
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Chapter 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 moveable photovoltaic generation device
that has the following characteristics:

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(1)
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Its maximum power output is not more
than one thousand two hundred watts;

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(2)
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It 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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It is intended primarily to offset
part of the customer's consumption of electricity from electric utility
companies;

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(4)
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It complies with the standards of
the most recent version of the National Electrical Code; and

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(5)
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It is certified by Underwriters
Laboratories to meet standard UL 3700, or an equivalent nationally recognized
testing laboratory, or each part of the device is so certified.
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SECTION
4.
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The public utilities commission shall
submit biannual progress reports on the use of portable solar generation
devices to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of
the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028 and no later than twenty days after the
adjournment sine die of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028.
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The reports shall include but not be limited
to:

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(1)
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The number of portable solar generation
devices registered with the commission;

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(2)
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Any problems encountered by registrants
and electric utility companies; and

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(3)
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The commission's findings,
recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

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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 Devices; Requirements; Registration; Online System;
Reports

Description:

Defines
"portable solar generation device" and establishes certain
requirements for their regulation and use.
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Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish an online
registration system.
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Requires reports to
the Legislature.

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