Law Expanding Affordable Solar Battery Storage and Plug-In Solar
Public Act 26-127 extends the state's residential, commercial, and community solar programs through 2027, ensuring continued support for clean energy as electricity demand grows. It also encourages responsible solar development by prioritizing projects on rooftops, brownfields, municipal and state buildings, and other developed commercial properties.
The law also extends and modifies the state's solar energy programs to cost-effectively deploy solar systems that pair solar and battery storage, allow for plug-in solar systems, and reduce red tape and costs related to solar permitting. The law aims to ensure that solar energy benefits both the person who installs it on their roof and all ratepayers by providing more clean energy and reducing the costs associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity.
The law also includes permitting reform and authorizes plug-in solar systems, which are smaller systems that can be bought off the shelf and installed relatively easily without permission from the electric utility. These systems are popular with renters and homeowners in Europe because they cost less and can be placed on a balcony or in a backyard. By creating a legal framework for plug-in solar, the law aims to extend the benefits of clean energy to more residents who have not benefited from it historically.
Additionally, the legislation directs more benefits to customers and communities with higher energy burdens, supports battery storage to improve grid reliability, streamlines residential solar permitting, and requires the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to limit public benefits charges and ensure the law reduces costs for ratepayers overall.
I am proud to have supported this legislation that will continue to move the State of Connecticut forward on affordable, accessible energy.