H.R. 10851: Socket Full of Sunshine Act

This bill would create federal and state-level steps to make it easier for people to use small, portable solar power devices that plug into a standard household outlet.

What counts as a portable solar device

The bill defines a portable solar generation device as a moveable solar panel system that:

• puts out no more than 1,200 watts,
• connects to a building through a standard 120-volt outlet,
• is mainly used to reduce the user’s electricity use,
• meets the latest National Electrical Code standards,
• is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or a similar testing lab, and
• has a power control system if it is 400 watts or more.

What states would have to consider

States would be required to consider rules to promote these devices. The bill does not directly force every state to adopt the same policy, but it does set a federal standard states must review. In that review, states would consider measures such as:

• exempting portable solar devices from interconnection agreements before use,
• exempting them from net metering program requirements, and
• preventing utilities from requiring customers to get approval, buy insurance, pay fees, or install extra equipment beyond what is already built into the device.

State utility regulators would have to start considering this standard within 1 year and finish within 2 years. The bill also includes rules for how this interacts with state actions that have already been taken or are already underway.

Federal grants for rebates

The Department of Energy would have to create a grant program for states. States could use these grants to run point-of-sale rebate programs for low- and moderate-income households buying portable solar devices.

To receive a grant, a state would have to submit a plan showing how it would:

• verify whether a household qualifies based on income,
• provide the rebate at the time of purchase,
• give priority to renters, people in multifamily housing, and communities with high energy costs relative to income,
• avoid giving the same household duplicate federal rebates for the same device, and
• meet any other requirements the Secretary of Energy sets.

The rebate could be no more than $1,000 per device. The bill authorizes $100 million per year from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 for this program, with up to 10% allowed for administration and outreach.

Domestic manufacturing requirement

Rebates under this program would only be available for devices that are made in the United States and whose U.S.-made components make up more than 55% of the total component cost, unless another domestic-content standard already applies under another law or regulation.

Tenant protections

States would only get these grants if they adopt rules protecting renters. In general, landlords could not stop tenants who pay their own electric bills from using a portable solar device or placing one inside or outside the rented space, including on a balcony or patio.

States could still allow landlords to impose reasonable limits on size, placement, or installation method, and could require tenants to give notice or documentation before using the device.

Labels and safety standards

The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission, working with the EPA and the Energy Department, to create a voluntary label for these devices showing expected electricity savings. The label would be similar in style to an EnergyGuide label.

It also requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a safety standard within 60 days. That standard would require safety information to come with the device, including how to use it safely, how to install it, expected savings, warranty information, and any other safety-related information the Commission thinks is needed. The CPSC would consult with DOE, EPA, labor organizations, UL Solutions, solar industry associations, and others as needed.

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