Georgia bill would expand access to plug-in residential solar

A new bill was introduced in the Georgia House last week that could make it easier for Georgians to use solar power.

State Rep. Imani Barnes, D-Tucker, introduced House Bill 1304, also known as the Georgia Residential Solar Access Act. It has been moved to the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee.

The bill would increase accessibility and ease utility restrictions on residential, portable solar devices of up to 1,200 watts, according to a news release.

“The goal of this legislation is to empower Georgians to generate their own electricity by making portable solar more accessible and prohibiting utility restrictions on portable solar use. Energy resilience should not be limited to those who can afford full rooftop systems,” Barnes said in a release.

The legislation would legalize and regulate small “plug-in” portable solar devices of up to 1,200 watts as well as define portable solar generation devices as “movable photovoltaic systems that plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, meet National Electrical Code standards, are UL-certified and include safety features that prevent back feeding during power outages.”

The law would also stop utility providers from requiring prior approval, interconnection agreements, special meters or additional fees. 

“By encouraging and removing barriers for clean energy use for Georgians, we would not only be helping our environment but also saving Georgians money,” she said. “I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to advance this bill throughout the legislative process.”