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DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee yesterday passed legislation to remove barriers to plug-in solar panels to save Coloradans money on their utility bills. HB26-1007 would establish safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars and ensure that utilities accommodate their use to help Coloradans take advantage of cost-saving solar.
“Plug-in solar is a great tactic for lowering your utility bill by taking advantage of Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine per year,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This groundbreaking bill removes unnecessary barriers and establishes safety standards to make plug-in solar a reality for more Coloradans. Many Coloradans are interested in solar, but traditional rooftop panels aren’t an option for most renters. This consumer choice bill makes it easier for all Coloradans to lower their utility bills by generating their own clean, reliable energy.”
“Plug-in solar is a safe and affordable renewable energy source, and now we’re making it more accessible for Coloradans," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This bill establishes important safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars, so more Coloradans can take advantage of this renewable energy source, especially those living in apartments or shared spaces. Plug-in solar can lower your utility bill, and this bill makes it easier for Coloradans interested in this renewable energy source to give it a try at an affordable price point and without unnecessary barriers.”
HB26-1007 passed committee by a vote of 9-2. This bill expands access to renewable energy technology by making it easier for those living in apartments or shared spaces to benefit from cost-saving solar. HB26-1007 establishes protective guardrails on the types of plug-in solar products that can be used. Under this bill, all plug-in solar must meet the UL 3700 product safety standard.
Plug-in solar, also referred to as balcony solar, can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and is more affordable than traditional rooftop solar. It consists of one to four solar panels plus an inverter and optional battery and is designed for simple, self-installation by a homeowner or renter. Plug-in solar can be used to power household appliances and offer Coloradans alternative, reliable energy sources.
To streamline solar installation, HB26-1007 encourages the use of meter collars. Meter collars are devices installed between an electric meter socket and a utility billing meter to provide immediate interconnection of customer-owned solar devices to the grid. Meter collars eliminate the need for a costly electrical panel upgrade, saving Coloradans money and time on solar installation. This bill encourages a safe, consistent and repeatable solar installation process with minimal disruption and short installation times to benefit Coloradans.
Plug-in solar is common in Europe. For example, in Germany, approximately 4 million households have installed plug-in solar. If passed, Colorado would join Utah in becoming early adopters of safe, reliable, plug-in solar in the United States.