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House committee reviews bill to exempt plug-in ‘portable solar’ devices from major permitting
Summary
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee reviewed S.202, which would define and exempt small plug-in "portable solar energy generation devices" from the state's major-generation permitting (30 V.S.A. § 248) and interconnection-agreement requirements while requiring UL 3700 (or equivalent) certification, a 1,200-watt per-meter cap, smart-meter use, and municipal/deed-restriction protections; testimony from UL, manufacturers and state agencies was scheduled.
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee heard detailed review Wednesday of S.202, a bill that would create a legal category for small plug-in photovoltaic systems and carve them out of the state’s major-generation permitting and interconnection rules.
Legislative counsel Ellen Chaikowski told the panel that S.202 defines a "portable solar energy generation device" as a movable photovoltaic device designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system via a receptacle and that the bill "exempts them from the 248 CPG process and the interconnection agreement," clarifying a regulatory gray area for new plug-in solar products.
Why it matters: the measure separates very small plug-in systems from larger generation facilities regulated under 30 V.S.A. § 248 and from net-metering treatment. Supporters say the change makes it easier for homeowners and other property owners to use portable solar products without…
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