Plug-in Solar Panels/H.R. 10851: Congressman Robert Menedez (NJ) Proposed Legislation to Amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
November 05, 2026
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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Congressman Robert Menendez of New Jersey has introduced H.R. 10851 which would amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (“PURPA”).
The stated goal of the bill is to establish a federal standard for states to consider measures to promote portable solar generation devices.
The bill is cited as the “Socket Full of Sunshine Act” (“Bill”).
The Bill would specifically require:
- States to consider removing barriers to plug-in solar, such as interconnection agreements and utility-imposed approvals, fees, insurance mandates, and equipment requirements;
- Set clear safety standards for plug-in solar devices;
- Create a $100 million annual Department of Energy grant program to fund state rebates of up to $1,000 for low- and moderate-income households;
- Protect renters’ right to use plug-in solar devices; and
- Create a label that shows consumers their expected electricity savings.
A copy of the Bill can be found here.
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