NH House Testimony

SB540

Senate · 2026 sessionBipartisanSigned into law

Plug-in solar panel rules

AI

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.

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

Energy and UtilitiesState GovernmentEnvironment - Conservation

Status

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

Division of testimony

89 submissions
Support 88Oppose 0Neutral 1
Kyle McAdamSupportGilmanton, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

There are many people in New Hampshire that would love to participate in producing their own solar energy but cannot because they either do not own the property, do have roofs that are safe if there is nothing on the roof but not safe enough to support solar panels or a roof that does not face in a direction where any solar panels on the roof can get a sufficient amount of sunlight. In addition to not having an adequate roof or a roof facing the sun, they may not own an adequate amount of land to be able to set up solar panels. Lastly they may not be able to afford traditional solar panels but hey may be able to afford a few plug in panels. I ask that you support plug in solar panels. It can help people afford their electricity, and help people help our society to implement more solar panels to help protect the environment but using less fossil fuel created electricity.

Sarah YoungSupportHANOVER, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

With the majority of people not being able to put solar on their house roofs, this is a nice alternative they can use.

Angie KrysiakSupportRaymond, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Portable solar is a critical piece of our transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, greener energy. For the sake of our planet, our people, and our economy, please support this bill and make solar energy more accessible to all!

Donna ReardonSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

PLease listen to the majority of NH voters and consumers need and want this bill passed.

beth blairSupportcanterbury, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

I’m a constituent from Canterbury, 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. Please support these bills as they move through the House. Thanks as always, for your time and service.

Mary F. FloccoSupportNewfields, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Please allow for people to lower energy costs and support our planet by moving this important initiative forward.

Rob WernerSupportConcord, NHfor League of Conservation VotersApr 6, 2026

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. Thank you.

Robert TaylorSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

I support allowing plug-in solar energy to enable homes and apartments to use solar energy that they currently can’t use.

Nancy MilesSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

I support this bill access to energy savings for households often excluded from rooftop solar - renters, seniors, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs. While not a complete solution, plug-in solar allows these households to cut costs using equipment they own, without altering property or utility arrangements.

Shirley MontgomerySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

I support this bill because it encourages the use of clean energy. These devices expand access to energy savings for households often excluded from rooftop solar - renters, seniors, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs.

Janet LucasSupportCampton, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Granite Staters deserve a chance to save money on their utility bills! This bill fosters real energy independence at the very granular household level. To deny our citizens this chance is the same as telling them they cannot have their own vegetable gardens and must buy only food produced by agri-businesses. Vote “Ought to Pass” on this very common sense bill. Respectfully, Rep. Janet Lucas Grafton County District 7

carola leaSupporthanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

This bill has been a long-time coming. it has earned so much public support. I urge you to support it.

Sharon RacusinSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Plug-in solar devices expand access to energy savings for households often excluded from rooftop solar - renters, seniors, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs. While not a complete solution, plug-in solar allows these households to cut costs using equipment they own, without altering property or utility arrangements.

Barbara CallawaySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Many people cannot afford to install rooftop solar or do not have access to community solar. But they can get some benefit from balcony solar so they can save on their electric bills.

Ellen FarnumSupportTamworth, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Please support SB 540. Allowing simple 'plug in' solar devices will expand access to energy savings for households that cannot use rooftop solar. This common sense legislation would let renters, seniors, and homeowners to use plug in solar to reduce energy costs without altering property or changing utility arrangements. Ellen Farnum, Tamworth

Doug BogenSupportBarrington, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Let's give almost ALL NH residents the opportunity to generate clean power and save on their electric bills. We all need relief from the high cost of electricity, and it should be part of the NH advantage to give people more choice in how they power their homes.

Stephen ElgertSupportBow, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Renters in our state need to be able to lower their energy costs and this bill allows them to to let the sun in. Please support this bill.

Richard MetcalfSupportBristol, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

This bill will help lower energy costs and encourage local investment.

Susan RaymondSupportTamworth, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

I own a plug in solar unit given to me as a gift from someone who uses such equipment in another state where it is legal to do so. I need to cut the cost of my electric bill. I am 75 and am facing losing my home unless I can bring some of my bills down. My Real Estate Tax increases, are impossible to keep up with given the lack of resources given our less than wealthy town for school support. If you are never going to institute a graduated tax system to help elderly residents to stay in their long time homes, then at least help us to join in the support of renewable energy systems. I cannot afford permanently installed solar panels on my roof. Tax relief for solar panels cannot help me as my income is too low to have to pay much in Federal Taxes. I want to use these portable units and need you to make them legal in NH.

Matt bourqueSupportBristol, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

National research indicates that roughly 70% of U.S. households cannot access traditional rooftop solar due to ownership, roof condition, or financing constraints. These devices expand access to energy savings for households often excluded from rooftop solar - renters, seniors, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs.

Lisa BuitenhuysSupportBristol, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

National research indicates that roughly 70% of U.S. households cannot access traditional rooftop solar due to ownership, roof condition, or financing constraints. These devices expand access to energy savings for households often excluded from rooftop solar - renters, seniors, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs.

Carol CarlsonSupportWASHINGTON, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

Having had solar panels installed on our roof, I understand that plug in devices would help people. Our project was expensive. Thank you.

Gail GentesSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

This bill provides the framework to allow plug in solar devices that can be used by many people. This will expand access to energy savings for households often excluded from rooftop solar - renters, seniors, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs. It is a win-win solution for everyone.

Daniel KenneySupportBristol, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

The climate crisis is real and New Hampshire already is feeling its effects, such as the 2025 drought. The legislature should enact this bill and encourage solar and other renewable energy sources within our State.

Rosemary D'ArcySupportBristol, NHfor MyselfApr 6, 2026

This bill and a few others will help lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy, and support local investment in renewable energy in our communities.