Energy (Solar)

Requires each electric company to develop a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services to be provided by distributed energy resources. Specifies the grid services that may be eligible for compensation and the classes of distributed energy resources technologies that must be eligible to provide the grid services. Allows a customer to enroll directly or through a third party in an electric company's distributed power plant program. Requires an electric company to use a standard offer, open access tariff. Allows an electric company to recover in rates prudently incurred costs associated with the program. Directs the Public Utility Commission to develop and adopt annual procurement targets and performance incentives. Allows an electric company to earn performance incentives for meeting program targets. Requires each electric company to file an annual report with the commission on the status of the electric company's distributed power plant program, including the capacity enrolled in the program. Provides for initial requirements and an implementing timeline. Requires an initial distributed power plant program to provide compensation for system-wide peak load reduction that is provided by an energy storage device that is a battery. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Requires a solar energy contractor or person that installs a solar energy system to have a license appropriate for the scope of work the solar energy contractor or person will perform. Specifies disclosures required in purchase agreements, lease agreements and power purchase agreements related to solar energy systems. Specifies elements and provisions that an installation contract for a solar energy system must have. Prohibits deceptive statements concerning the provisions of an installation contract. Punishes a violation or a failure to comply with the provisions of the Act as an unlawful practice under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Allows a retail electricity consumer to install and use portable solar photovoltaic energy devices with up to a total maximum generating capacity of 1,200 watts. Defines "portable solar photovoltaic energy device." Requires a retail electricity consumer to first file a declaration with the electric utility. Limits restrictions on portable solar photovoltaic energy devices in residences by landlords, homeowners associations, and condominium associations. Allows the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to amend the state building code as necessary to address the installation or use of portable solar photovoltaic energy devices. Becomes operative January 1, 2027. Takes effect July 1, 2026.