Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 9 D · 1 R · 1 I cosponsors

S 202 — An act relating to plug-in photovoltaic devices

Last action — Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 16, 2026

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 06, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on May 29, 2026.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 11 sponsors

    11 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 3 parties (9 D · 1 R · 1 I) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

The bill addresses regulations for plug-in photovoltaic devices.

This legislation establishes guidelines for the use of plug-in photovoltaic devices, which convert sunlight into electricity. It aims to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

What this means for you
  • Environment: This may promote cleaner energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

149 added · 93 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill S.202 introduces a new definition for "portable solar energy generation device," detailing its features and safety standards. Specifically, it highlights that these devices must prevent back-feeding electricity during outages and meet specific safety certifications. This change is important as it ensures that portable solar devices safely integrate with existing electrical systems, promoting wider adoption of renewable energy while protecting consumers and utility infrastructure.

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AS PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 1 of 4 S.202 An act relating to portable solar energy generation devices It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 1 of 6 S.202 Introduced by Senators Watson, Bongartz, Chittenden, Clarkson, Gulick, Hardy, Lyons, Ram Hinsdale, Vyhovsky, Weeks and White Referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy Date:
January 6, 2026 Subject:
Public service;
energy;
renewable energy;
solar energy;
portable solar energy generation devices Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to allow portable solar energy generation devices to be installed without a certificate of public good.
An act relating to portable solar energy generation devices It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
§ 201 is amended to read:
§ 201 is amended to read:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 2 of 6 (A) has a maximum power output to the electric grid of not more than 1,200 watts;
(B) is designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system via an electrical cord plugged into a receptacle;
(C) is intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity consumption;
(D) includes a feature that prevents the system from energizing the building’s electrical system during a power outage;
(E) is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for use in the United States;
and (F) is connected to a building that is connected the electric grid.
Sec.
2.
30 V.S.A.
§ 256 is added to read:
§ 256.
PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICES (a) The installation of a portable solar energy generation device shall not be required to comply with the requirements of section 248 of this chapter or be required to obtain an interconnection agreement with an electric distribution company.
(b) On or before September 10, 2026, the Public Utility Commission, in consultation with the Division of Fire Safety and the electric distribution companies, shall develop a simple notification form for customers who install portable solar energy devices, which shall, at a minimum, include name of BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 3 of 6 customer and contact information, address of installation, the customer’s electric utility, and meter number.
The form shall be available in an online version and a printable version.
An electric distribution company may require customers to submit the notification form to the company after installation of the device.
(c) An electric distribution company shall not require a customer using a portable solar energy generation device to:
(1) obtain the company’s approval before installing or using the device;
(2) pay any fee or charge related to the device;
or (3) install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device.
(d) A portable solar energy generation device shall not be eligible for net metering.
(e) A portable solar energy device in a public building, as defined in 20 V.S.A.
§ 2730, shall be used in a manner that complies with all applicable requirements of the most recent Fire and Building Safety Code adopted by the Division of Fire Safety.
Sec.
3.
EFFECTIVE DATE This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Sec.
1.
30 V.S.A.
§ 201 is amended to read:
§ 201.
Show all 52 changed rows (12 more)
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Latest
DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 4 of 6 * * * (9) “Portable solar energy generation device” means a movable photovoltaic generation device that:
§ 256 is added to read:
§ 256 is added to read:
§ 256.
§ 256.
PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICES (a) A customer may install one or more portable solar energy generation devices per electric meter if the devices have a maximum combined capacity VT LEG #387045 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 2 of 4 of not more than 1,200 watts.
PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICES (a) A customer may install one or more portable solar energy generation devices per electric meter if the devices have a maximum combined capacity of not more than 1,200 watts.
§ 2730, shall be used in a manner that complies with all applicable VT LEG #387045 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 3 of 4 requirements of the most recent Fire and Building Safety Code adopted by the Division of Fire Safety.
§ 2730, shall be used in a manner that complies with all applicable BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 5 of 6 requirements of the most recent Fire and Building Safety Code adopted by the Division of Fire Safety.
§ 4413(g) is amended to read:
§ 4413(g) is amended to read:
§ 544 is amended to read:
§ 544 is amended to read:
§ 201, appurtenant to buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements.
§ 201, appurtenant to buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements.
A property owner VT LEG #387045 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 4 of 4 may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices based on renewable resources by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings.
A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices based on renewable resources by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings.
This section shall not apply to patio railings in condominiums, cooperatives, or apartments, except for a portable solar energy generation device.
This section shall not apply to patio railings in condominiums, BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 6 of 6 cooperatives, or apartments, except for a portable solar energy generation device.
VT LEG #387045 v.1
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Amendments

2 amendments

Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.

Action History

  1. Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 16, 2026

  2. Signed by Governor on June 16, 2026

  3. Delivered to Governor on June 10, 2026

  4. Senate Message: House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment concurred in

  5. Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth

  6. As passed by Senate and House

  7. House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

  8. House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment, text

  9. Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth

  10. House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment

  11. Entered on Notice Calendar

  12. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment, with further proposal of amendment

  13. Senate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment concurred in with further amendment thereto, as offered by Rep. James of Manchester

  14. Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 20, 2026

  15. Rep. James of Manchester moved to postpone action until May 20, 2026, which was agreed to

  16. Action Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment to House Proposal of Amendment

  17. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment to House Proposal of Amendment

  18. Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in with further proposal of amendment thereto

  19. House proposal of amendment concurred in with further proposal of amendment as moved by Senator(s) Watson, Beck, Bongartz, Hardy, and Williams

  20. House proposal of amendment; text

  21. Unfinished Business/House Proposal of Amendment

  22. Unfinished Business/House Proposal of Amendment

  23. House proposal of amendment

  24. House proposal of amendment

  25. Entered on Notice Calendar

  26. House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment

  27. Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  28. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  29. Third Reading ordered

  30. Report of Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure agreed to

  31. Rep. Morrow of Weston reported for the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure

  32. Read second time

  33. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  34. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  35. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure

  36. Read 3rd time & passed

  37. New Business/Senate Resolution for Adoption

  38. New Business/Third Reading

  39. 3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 29 to Pass -- Yeas = 29, Nays = 0

  40. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy agreed to

  41. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator Watson for Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

  42. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

  43. New Business/Second Reading

  44. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

  45. Entered on Notice Calendar

  46. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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11 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 179 not signed on

Sponsors (11)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (179)

179 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 179 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 29 to Pass -- Yeas = 29, Nays = 0

Passed 29 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat/Progressive 3000
Republican 14000
Democrat 9001
Unaffiliated 2000
Progressive/Democrat 1000
Total 29001
% of votes cast 97%0%0%3%
How each member voted (30)
Member Party Vote
White — Yea
Ram Hinsdale — Yea
Alison Clarkson Democrat Yea
Ann E Cummings Democrat Yea
Joseph "Joe" D Major Democrat Yea
Martine Larocque L Gulick Democrat Yea
Nader A Hashim Democrat Not Voting
Robert Plunkett Democrat Yea
Ruth E Hardy Democrat Yea
Seth Bongartz Democrat Yea
Thomas I Chittenden Democrat Yea
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons Democrat Yea
Andrew J Perchlik Democrat/Progressive Yea
Anne E Watson Democrat/Progressive Yea
Philip E Baruth Democrat/Progressive Yea
Tanya C Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat Yea
Brian P Collamore Republican Yea
Christopher P Mattos Republican Yea
David H Weeks Republican Yea
Jim F Harrison Republican Yea
John Benson Republican Yea
John S Morley III Republican Yea
Patrick "Pat" M Brennan Republican Yea
Randy D Brock Republican Yea
Richard A Westman Republican Yea
Robert W Norris Republican Yea
Russ H Ingalls Republican Yea
Scott L Beck Republican Yea
Steven Heffernan Republican Yea
Terry K Williams Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

technology energy
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 202?
S 202 is sponsored by Rebecca "Becca" E White (Democrat), David H Weeks (Republican), Tanya C Vyhovsky (Progressive/Democrat), Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons (Democrat), Ruth E Hardy (Democrat), Martine Larocque L Gulick (Democrat), Alison Clarkson (Democrat), Thomas I Chittenden (Democrat), Seth Bongartz (Democrat), Anne E Watson (Democrat/Progressive), and Kesha K Ram Hinsdale (Democrat).
What is the current status of S 202?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 06, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track S 202?
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