H 598

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 2026  Page 1 of 3
1H.598
2 Introduced by Representative James of Manchester
3 Referred to Committee on
4 Date:
5 Subject: Public service; energy; renewable energy; solar energy; portable solar
6energy generation devices
7 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to allow portable
8 solar energy generation devices to be installed without a certificate of public
9 good.
10    An act relating to portable solar energy generation devices
11 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
12 Sec. 1. 30 V.S.A. § 201 is amended to read:
13 § 201. DEFINITIONS
14    As used in this chapter:
15***
16(9) “Portable solar energy generation device” means a movable
17 photovoltaic generation device that:
18(A) has a maximum power output to the electric grid of not more
19 than 1,200 watts;
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 2026  Page 2 of 3
1(B) is designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system via
2 an electrical cord plugged into a receptacle;
3(C) is intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity
4 consumption;
5(D) includes a feature that prevents the system from energizing the
6 building’s electrical system during a power outage;
7(E) is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent
8 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for use in the United States; and
9(F) is connected to a building that is connected to the electric grid.
10 Sec. 2. 30 V.S.A. § 256 is added to read:
11 § 256. PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICES
12    (a) The installation of a portable solar energy generation device shall not be
13 required to comply with the requirements of section 248 of this chapter or be
14 required to obtain an interconnection agreement with an electric distribution
15 company.
16    (b) On or before September 10, 2026, the Public Utility Commission, in
17 consultation with the Division of Fire Safety and the electric distribution
18 companies, shall develop a simple notification form for customers who install
19 portable solar energy devices, which shall, at a minimum, include the name of
20 the customer and contact information, the address of installation, the
21 customer’s electric utility, and the meter number. The form shall be available
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1 in an online version and a printable version. An electric distribution company
2 may require customers to submit the notification form to the company after
3 installation of the device.
4    (c) An electric distribution company shall not require a customer using a
5 portable solar energy generation device to:
6(1) obtain the company’s approval before installing or using the device;
7(2) pay any fee or charge related to the device; or
8(3) install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is
9 integrated into the device.
10    (d) A portable solar energy generation device shall not be eligible for net
11 metering.
12    (e) A portable solar energy device in a public building, as defined in 20
13 V.S.A. § 2730, shall be used in a manner that complies with all applicable
14 requirements of the most recent Fire and Building Safety Code adopted by the
15 Division of Fire Safety.
16 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE
17    This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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