SB3003

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that solar energy has become the most cost-effective source of electricity in the world. Forty-three per cent of single-family homes in Hawaii have installed rooftop solar systems, reducing the cost of power for each of those households, and providing aggregate energy onto the electric grid and helping to avoid the need for all ratepayers to pay for additional generation capacity. However, homes without adequate rooftop space have often been unable to take advantage of innovative solar technology to reduce their own bills.

The legislature further finds that affordable portable solar generation devices, commonly referred to as "balcony solar" or "plug-in solar", offer new opportunities for families to generate their own electricity. These systems typically cost less than $1,000 and are particularly advantageous to residents of apartments and rental properties. Apartment dwellers can install units on balconies, and renters can easily relocate their systems when they move to a new home.

The legislature further finds that although these devices produce less electricity than typical rooftop systems, they can supply enough power to operate common household appliances such as lights, televisions, computers, and refrigerators. Once installed, a portable solar generation device plugs into a standard household electrical outlet. Electricity generated by the device is used by appliances connected to the home's other outlets, while built-in safety features prevent electricity from flowing into the grid. Any surplus generation is unused and cannot be sold to the electric utility.

The legislature therefore finds that establishing a clear regulatory framework for portable solar generation devices will encourage their safe and effective use, expand access to clean, renewable energy, and most importantly help families reduce their cost of electricity.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to create a regulatory framework to support and expand the use of portable solar generation devices in the State.

SECTION 2. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§269- Portable solar generation devices. (a) No portable solar generation device shall be subject to the net metering program requirements under this chapter.

(b) A portable solar generation device shall include a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building's electrical system during a power outage.

(1) Obtain the electric utility company's approval to install or use 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) No electric utility company shall be liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.

§269- Registration; portable solar generation devices. The public utilities commission shall establish and maintain an online system for registration of portable solar generation devices. The public utilities commission may delegate this responsibility to any person. No fee shall be required for registration."

SECTION 3. Chapter 269-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Portable solar generation device" means a moveable photovoltaic generation device that has the following characteristics:

(1) Its maximum power output is not more than one thousand two hundred watts;

(2) It is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard one hundred twenty-volt alternating current outlet;

(3) It is intended primarily to offset part of the customer's consumption of electricity from electric utility companies;

(4) It complies with the standards of the most recent version of the National Electrical Code; and

(5) It is certified by Underwriters Laboratories to meet standard UL 3700, or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, or each part of the device is so certified."

SECTION 4. The public utilities commission shall submit biannual progress reports on the use of portable solar generation devices to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028 and no later than twenty days after the adjournment sine die of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028. The reports shall include but not be limited to:

(1) The number of portable solar generation devices registered with the commission;

(2) Any problems encountered by registrants and electric utility companies; and

(3) The commission's findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3003
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII