I’m thrilled to share some incredible news from the State House: S.202, the bill to bring portable solar to Vermont, just passed the Senate with a unanimous 29-0 vote!
This is an important step forward for energy democracy in our state. For years, the clean energy revolution has felt out of reach for too many Vermonters—especially renters, condo owners, and others who can’t go solar at their home. This bill brings a new tool to Vermonters to begin changing that.
What is “Portable Solar” exactly?
Think of it as a “plug-and-play” appliance for clean energy. Much smaller than traditional, permanent rooftop or backyard arrays, portable solar consists of one to a few solar panels (up to 1,200 watts – about 10-20% of the size of most residential solar systems) that you can set up on a balcony, patio, or sunny patch of lawn.
You simply plug the system into a 120-volt exterior outlet, and it begins feeding clean power directly into your home’s wiring. The bill also requires all portable solar systems in Vermont meet stringent safety standards, meaning some moderate electrical work may need to be done in advance – but far less than a traditionally-wired system.
Why we’re fighting for this
Currently, Vermont’s regulations treat these small devices like much larger solar systems, meaning applications, fees, and time spent waiting. S.202 cuts through that by:
- Establishing a “Right to Plug In”: No more fees, applications, or utility permission needed for these safe, certified devices.
- Expanding Equity: It’s an important step for renters who can now take their solar panels with them when they move. It should be noted that given the way national standards for these systems are shaping up it won’t yet be the no-wiring-required game changer we’d been hoping for – though we still anticipate that becoming possible in the coming years.
- Lowering Barriers: It makes clean energy accessible for many of those who can’t afford—or don’t have the space for—a full rooftop array.
This bill would make Vermont the second state in the nation (after Utah’s passage last year of similar legislation) to allow use of these systems that are so common elsewhere in the world.
We need your help to get this across the finish line
The unanimous Senate vote is a powerful signal, but the fight isn’t over. Now, the bill heads to the House of Representatives, where we need to make sure it maintains its momentum.
Will you take two minutes to email your State Representatives and urge them to support S.202?
Tell them you support common-sense climate solutions that empower all Vermonters to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.