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Committee defers portable plug‑in solar bill amid safety and code questions
Summary
HB24-86 to authorize and register portable plug‑in solar devices was deferred after lengthy testimony: supporters urged access and noted UL 3700 certification; utilities and the fire council pressed for code alignment, interconnection safeguards and proof that aggregate export won’t overload the grid.
The committee deferred HB24-86 on Feb. 24 after extended testimony and technical questioning about portable plug‑in solar devices, grid interaction and safety standards.
Hannah Ellis of BrightSaver and Sherry Pollock of 350Hawaii urged passage, saying plug‑in systems make solar affordable for renters and households with unsuitable roofs and that UL 3700 provides safety certification. "Passing this legislation will actually make plug in solar safer for everyone," Ellis said. Proponents argued certified systems include non‑export and anti‑backfeed protections and that major manufacturers remain on the sidelines without clear state authorization.
PUC and utility representatives raised concerns about grid export, interconnection, and whether the National Electric Code (NEC) and other standards fully account for the technology. Witnesses discussed UL 3700 (an outline of investigation) and whether devices can be certified now; BrightSaver said products can be certified to an OL&I and that UL3700 aligns with current NEC requirements in most respects. Fire-safety and utility witnesses urged caution and suggested waiting to see how standards and code updates evolve.
Committee members asked technical questions about non‑export guarantees, verification through access keys, wind and attachment testing, battery backup for resilience, and whether devices sold online already might be uncertified. Representatives indicated a desire to modify bill language to reference UL 3700 "or subsequent equivalent" and to ensure an interconnection or registration backstop.
The committee deferred the measure to allow continued drafting and consultation with safety and utility stakeholders.
