Lawmakers hear support and safety questions for plug-in (balcony) solar bill HF3555
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Summary
HF3555 would exempt small, UL 3,700-certified plug-in solar systems (up to 1,200 watts) from interconnection agreements and net metering, aiming to expand solar access to renters and shaded homes; testimony praised accessibility but members raised safety, insurance and code concerns before laying the bill over.
Representative Kraft presented House File 3555 to let small, UL 3,700-certified "plug-in" solar systems (capped at 1,200 watts) be deployed without a utility interconnection agreement and without participating in net metering, enabling renters and multifamily occupants to install balcony or deck-mounted solar that offsets in-home usage.
Testimony in support came from industry and nonprofit witnesses. Wesley Schrock (BrightSaver) said plug-in solar is a market-driven, budget-neutral solution that Utah enacted in 2025 and that a new UL 3,700 standard addresses safety concerns. Installer John Gaake (Star Power Electric) said the 1,200-watt cap combined with UL certification and appropriate plugs and circuit requirements makes the systems safe and unlikely to overload household circuits. Patty O'Keefe (VoteSolar), Will Mulhern (Fresh Energy) and several renters and students described strong consumer interest and noted shorter payback periods compared with rooftop systems.
Committee members raised several practical concerns: Representative Sexton asked whether the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local wiring rules have been updated to accommodate plug-in systems and whether electricians and insurance carriers have guidance; Representative Vigo and others raised landlord/tenant and building-fire-safety issues if multiple units are plugged into a single circuit; Representative Swazinski and others asked about UL testing, occupancy safety and code compliance in multi-unit buildings. Representative Kraft said he has engaged state labor and officeholders to address installation and safety details and noted special plugs and UL 3,700 testing are designed to limit unsafe configurations.
Concerns about supply chains (a member noted many small modules are manufactured in China) and consumer education (avoiding oversold savings claims) were also raised. Testifiers and the sponsor said those concerns can be addressed through standards, labeling, possible code updates and insurer engagement.
After testimony and follow-up Q&A, the committee laid HF3555 over for possible inclusion; members said the bill will require additional work on installation standards, fire and insurance implications and landlord-tenant questions before moving forward.