Energy (Solar)

in committee · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 367: Solar Power Utility Amendments

HB 367, the Solar Power Utility Amendments, changes how Utah utilities compensate solar power customers for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to create an optional "time-of-use export pricing tariff" that offers different credit rates based on the time of day or real-time market conditions, with a guaranteed minimum credit floor. Solar customers can choose to join this new tariff or keep their existing compensation plan, and utilities must clearly explain the differences and allow switching back without penalty. The law protects existing customers from forced changes and ensures the new system works with current metering and battery storage technology.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates time-of-use pricing for solar exports with minimum credit, promoting solar adoption by incentivizing grid contributions and protecting consumer incentives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar Utility Regulation

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in committee · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 428: Solar Energy Amendments

HB 428 amends Utah's Residential Solar Energy Disclosure Act to improve transparency for homeowners purchasing or leasing residential solar systems. The bill requires solar retailers to disclose key details in agreements, including estimated energy production, projected savings (with clear assumptions), finance fees for loans, and sales representatives' compensation. It bans deceptive sales tactics and mandates that sales staff obtain certification and maintain bonds. These changes directly affect solar customers by providing clearer cost and performance information before signing contracts.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires transparent solar disclosures, protects consumers, and prevents deceptive practices to support residential solar adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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passed · Utah · Senate Mar 7, 2026

SB 223: Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications

SB 223 modifies Utah's sales and use tax exemptions to support renewable energy infrastructure development. It extends the tax exemption for equipment used to expand existing alternative energy power plants (like solar, wind, or geothermal facilities) and adds a new exemption for equipment that increases capacity at electric energy storage facilities (such as battery systems). This directly affects businesses building or upgrading renewable energy projects by reducing their upfront costs for qualifying equipment. The bill also includes minor technical adjustments to tax code definitions but does not appropriate new state funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax exemptions for renewable energy equipment, reducing business costs via tax relief, directly advancing tax policy for fiscal support.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends tax exemptions for renewable energy equipment and storage, reducing costs to advance clean energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends tax exemptions for renewable energy equipment (solar, wind, geothermal) and energy storage, directly promoting clean energy infrastructure development and reducing financial barriers for environmental projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

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signed · Utah · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 323: Solar Panel Disposal Amendments

HB 323 creates a new program to manage solar panel waste in Utah, directly affecting solar installers, panel owners, and waste facilities. It requires installers to register with the Waste Management Division and pay fees, mandates panel owners to test for hazards and dispose of panels at approved sites starting July 2027, and authorizes the Waste Management Board to set testing and disposal rules. The bill also establishes a dedicated waste account, requires detailed disclosures from solar retailers about disposal, and mandates annual reports to lawmakers. No new funding is appropriated for this program.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes waste management for solar panels, supporting renewable energy infrastructure sustainability by ensuring responsible end-of-life disposal.80% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates solar panel hazard testing and approved disposal to prevent environmental harm, requiring installer registration and waste management oversight under Environment subject.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Recycling Waste Management

signed · Utah · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 412: Energy Development Planning Amendments

HB 412 requires developers of utility-scale solar and wind power plants (over 1 megawatt capacity) to consult with Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources before seeking local government permits. The bill mandates that developers submit project details, hold meetings with wildlife officials, and incorporate the division’s recommendations for minimizing wildlife impacts. Local governments must consider these recommendations when reviewing permits, though the wildlife division cannot approve or deny projects. The law takes effect May 6, 2026, and does not appropriate funds or change local permitting authority.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates wildlife consultations for solar/wind projects to minimize impacts, enabling responsible renewable energy development without restricting projects.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates wildlife consultations for renewable energy projects to minimize ecological impacts, directly advancing environmental protection through conservation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Wind Wildlife

signed · Utah · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 16: Solar Power Plant Amendments

HB 16 establishes new rules for utility-scale solar power plants in Utah, affecting developers planning projects permitted after May 6, 2026. It ties state financial incentives to land characteristics: projects on protected farmland (prime, irrigated, or high-capacity cropland) lose full incentives, while those on less productive land may qualify for partial support. The bill also requires wildlife impact consultations, mandates decommissioning plans with financial assurance (like bonds or letters of credit), and sets site restoration standards. Existing projects with pre-2026 agreements or permits are exempt from these new rules.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTies state incentives to solar projects on less productive land, promoting renewable energy development while adding environmental safeguards.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes solar energy development with environmental safeguards: requires wildlife consultations, decommissioning plans, and ties incentives to land use protecting farmland, advancing clean energy while conserving resources.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Wildlife