HF 2046 (LSB 5590HH (3) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2046

BY  BAGNIEWSKI

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to requirements for portable solar generation devices.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 476.49, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  0i.  “Portable solar generation device” means a moveable photovoltaic generation device that meets all of the following requirements:
   (1)  Has a maximum power output of not more than one thousand two hundred watts.
   (2)  Is designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system through a standard one hundred twenty volt alternating current outlet.
   (3)  Is intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity consumption.
   (4)  Meets the standards of the national electrical code, adopted pursuant to section 103.6.
   (5)  Is certified by the underwriters laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.
   (6)  Includes a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building’s electrical system during a power outage.
    Sec. 2.  Section 476.49, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  11.  Portable solar generation devices.
   a.  A portable solar generation device shall not be required to interconnect to the electric distribution system and is not subject to the net metering requirements under this section.
   b.  An electric utility shall not require any of the following from a customer using a portable solar generation device:
   (1)  The electric utility’s approval before installing or using the system.
   (2)  Any fee or charge related to the system.
   (3)  Any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the system.
   c.  An electric utility is not liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to requirements for portable solar generation devices.
   The bill defines “portable solar generation device” as a moveable photovoltaic generation device that has a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts, is designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system through a standard 120-volt alternating current outlet, is intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity consumption, meets the standards of the national electrical code, is certified by the underwriters laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, and includes a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building’s electrical system during a power outage.
   The bill provides that a portable solar generation device is not required to interconnect to the electric distribution system and is not subject to net metering requirements. The bill prohibits an electric utility from requiring a customer using a portable solar generation device to obtain the electric utility’s approval before installing or using the system, pay any fee or charge related to the system, or install additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the system.