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SB 540 · 2026 · Senate · Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Plug-in solar panel rules

AI-generated

(New Title) relative to plug-in solar generation systems.

Defines and permits plug-in solar generation systems up to 1,200 watts AC per metered customer, exempts compliant systems from utility interconnection review and related fees, and requires certification to national safety standards and compliance with the state building code.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 9, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✓House
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill: I. Defines “portable solar generation device,” exempts them from interconnection requirements and net metering, and establishes safety standards. II. Limits electric distribution utility liability. III. Directs the public utilities commission to adopt rules as necessary to implement these provisions.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. David WattersDPrime
  • Sen. Howard PearlRVice Chair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRChair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Cindy RosenwaldDDeputy Democratic Leader
  • Sen. Rebecca Perkins KwokaDMinority Leader
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
  • Rep. Kat McGheeDRanking Member· Science, Technology, and Energy

Also: Sen. Debra AltschillerD

Public testimony

89 signed in online · 36 wrote testimony

99% support0% oppose1% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Balcony solar is a consumer oriented concept that will save NH ratepayers money on a monthly basis on their electric bills, A vote on behalf of helping NH citizens with a bit of rate relief is a positive step in support of affordability during these challenging times.…”
— Rob Werner, Concord · League of Conservation Voterssupports
“I’m a constituent from Manchester, and I’m writing to ask for your support on SB449, SB538, and SB540. These bills will help lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy, and support local investment in our communities.…”
— Stephen Meno, Manchestersupports
“NH citizens need reliable, clean, locally produced energy and we need it yesterday. This bill encourages citizens to invest in cheaper, less polluting energy systems. It not only benefits those who invest, it benefits everyone.”
— Gerald Beck, Holdernesssupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-081:00 pmSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing
  • 2026-04-069:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-04-139:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1
  2. Jan 8, 2026SenHearing: 01/08/2026, Room 103, SH, 01:30 pm; SC 46
  3. Feb 19, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0511s, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 6
  4. Feb 19, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0511s, AA, VV; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  5. Feb 19, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0511s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  6. Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026; Vote 6-0; CC; SC 9
  7. Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  8. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 8 P. 114
  9. Apr 6, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/06/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  10. Apr 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/13/2026 09:00 am GP 229
  11. Apr 13, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1452h (NT) 04/13/2026 (Vote 16-1; RC)
  12. Apr 15, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  13. Apr 23, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1452h: AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 71
  14. Apr 23, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1452h: MA DV 293-43 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 72
  15. Apr 23, 2026HouseReferred to Finance 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 72
  16. Apr 23, 2026HouseReferral Waived by Committee Chair per House Rule 47(f) 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 72
  17. May 7, 2026SenSen. Pearl Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  18. May 21, 2026HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2020e: AA VV (in recess of) 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 37
  19. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2020e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  20. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  21. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  22. Jul 2, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 07/02/2026; Chapter 262
  23. Jul 9, 2026SenI. Section 3 of this act shall take effect as provided in Section 6
  24. Jul 2, 2026SenII. Remainder Effective 07/02/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.