BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 1 of 46 S.202 AnIntroduced actby relatingSenators toWatson, portableBongartz, solarChittenden, energyClarkson, generationGulick, devicesHardy, ItLyons, isRam herebyHinsdale, enactedVyhovsky, byWeeks theand GeneralWhite AssemblyReferred ofto theCommittee Stateon ofNatural Vermont: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:
§§ 201 201 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.
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:
§§ 256 256 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.
§ 2730, shall be used in a manner that complies with all applicable VTBILL LEGAS #387045INTRODUCED v.1AND AS PASSED BY SENATE S.202 Page 35 of 46 requirements of the most recent Fire and Building Safety Code adopted by the Division of Fire Safety.
§§ 4413(g) 4413(g) is amended to read:
§§ 544 544 is amended to read:
§§ 201, 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.
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