Bill S50 would raise expedited registration threshold for ground‑mounted solar from 15 kW to 25 kW, supporters say

Senate Bill S50, discussed at a Natural Resources & Energy Committee hearing on Feb. 13, would change the statutory threshold that determines whether a ground‑mounted photovoltaic (PV) system uses the Public Utility Commission’s expedited registration process. Under the bill, systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW) would qualify for the quicker registration procedure now available to systems of 15 kW or less.

What the bill does: The bill amends the net‑metering/certificate‑of‑public‑good process to allow ground‑mounted PV systems of up to 25 kW to use the PUC’s expedited registration procedures rather than the lengthier application process required for larger systems. The bill includes an intent clause directing the PUC to update Rule 5.100 accordingly and says the commission should allow the expanded expedited process to proceed while rules are updated.

Supporters’ argument: Renewable‑energy industry witnesses said the change reflects technological gains — modern panels are higher wattage, so 25 kW can fit in roughly the same footprint that once held 15 kW. “Modern solar panels now use a lot more solar power using almost the same amount of land,” said Peter Sterling, executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont. Industry testimony noted that the registration process is commonly used for rooftop systems (which already qualify for much larger expedited registration) and that homeowners are reluctant to pursue a project that triggers a lengthy, costly application process.

Interconnection and limits: Witnesses and staff emphasized that utilities retain interconnection authority. The expedited registration remains subject to the utility’s ability to approve the interconnection; if a utility identifies a distribution constraint, the utility can require a longer review. Legislative Council staff noted the statute includes notice and agency‑review provisions for certain size ranges and recommended small fixes to statutory language to avoid contradictory phrasing in the bill.

Timing and administrative details: The testimony reminded the committee that the registration process already contains a 15‑day deemed‑issued provision: if the PUC does not act within 15 days, the registration is deemed issued on the fifteenth day. The bill sets an effective date in mid‑2025 and directs the commission to update rules to align with the changed threshold.

Ending: Committee members asked whether utilities objected and scheduled distribution utility testimony; committee staff and renewable‑energy advocates said they would follow up with technical materials and photos of typical backyard arrays to illustrate the scale change.