Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Small Solar topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee clears language review for small plug‑in solar bill with electrician and permitting questions flagged
Summary
LD1730, intended to expand access to small plug‑in solar devices for Maine residents, completed pink language review; staff flagged interactions with Title 32 permitting rules and whether the electrician‑installation requirement is stricter than existing law for owner‑occupiers or some municipal codes.
The committee reviewed LD1730, 'an act to make small plug‑in solar generation devices accessible for all Maine residents and to address the energy affordability crisis,' and accepted the revisor’s pink language with clarifying notes.
Staff reported the revisor’s office updated the Underwriters Laboratories reference to ULLC and described inverter output limits in the draft: a retail customer may install systems up to 420 watts AC without additional electrician requirements; systems above 420 watts up to 1,200 watts would require installation by a state‑licensed electrician, a dedicated circuit and notification requirements. Staff explained that Title 32 governs electrical installations and that permitting rules and municipal home‑rule ordinances can create variations — including cases where a homeowner doing an owner‑occupier installation may not require a permit but other municipal codes could require electrician involvement.
Several committee members asked whether striking the electrician‑installation requirement would simply default to existing law; staff said that was an option but several stakeholders had urged the electrician requirement to ensure safe interconnection and compliance. Members concluded the pink copy and fiscal note were acceptable to those on the majority report and the bill can be reported out of committee with the flagged clarifications.
What’s next: LD1730 was reported out of committee in pink copy; staff will circulate final language and the committee will address any downstream concerns in subsequent sessions.
