Firefighters Urge UL Certification for Portable Solar Devices at House Energy Committee Hearing

Representative Kathleen James convened the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee on March 31 to continue testimony on S.202, a bill addressing portable solar energy devices. Chris Dubie, president of the Professional Firefighters of Vermont, testified that his union supports the technology but urged strict safety standards before allowing in‑state sales.

"Our biggest concern, no doubt, is the safety of these devices," Dubie told the committee, identifying himself for the record and saying he spoke on behalf of the International Association of Firefighters. He said portable photovoltaic panels were originally designed for low‑power outdoor uses such as camping but are increasingly marketed to plug into home outlets.

Dubie distinguished between component testing and full‑device certification, saying many products on the market are only UL‑tested rather than UL‑listed or UL‑certified as complete systems. "What we want in this industry is something that is UL certified, UL listed," he said, adding that requiring full certification would ensure the entire panel, wiring and storage components meet a higher safety standard.

He cited a model in Utah that does not ban portable systems but requires devices sold in the state to meet UL certification and current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. Dubie recommended Vermont adopt a similar approach: allow the technology but require in‑state sales to comply with recognized safety standards to reduce fire and electrical shock risks.

Lawmakers pressed specific safety questions. Rep. Southwest asked whether portable panels can produce electricity even when unplugged. "As long as it's receiving light… they're always generating power," Dubie replied, explaining that panels remain energized while exposed to light and that first responders must cover panels to deenergize them safely.

Committee members also asked about disconnect switches required for rooftop systems; Dubie said newer rooftop installations typically include disconnects that prevent backfeeding into a home's distribution system, but that energy can remain present on roof‑side circuitry until panels are covered, creating operational risks for firefighters.

Dubie described training gaps, saying IAFF offers instruction but cannot guarantee every department has received up‑to‑date training on these portable devices. He urged the committee to require certification standards and noted it would be useful to hear the insurance industry’s perspective on risk exposure.

Representative James signaled support for proactive legislation and procedural followup. She told members the committee would hold a markup on S.202 on Thursday at 9 a.m., will invite VBER and BNRC to bring a unit for inspection on Friday, and plans to solicit input from witnesses on draft amendments.

The committee did not vote on S.202 during the hearing; lawmakers directed staff to compile suggested safety and consumer‑protection edits for consideration at the scheduled markup.

Context and next steps: The testimony frames the central issues lawmakers are weighing — public safety, device certification, code compliance and training for first responders. The committee plans to consider amendments at a markup later this week and to hear additional witnesses, including technical exhibitors and insurance representatives.