The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 30 : Public Service

Chapter 005 : State Policy; Plans; Jurisdiction and Regulatory Authority of Commission and Department

Subchapter 001 : General Powers

• § 256. Plug-in photovoltaic devices

  (a) A customer may install one or more plug-in photovoltaic devices per electric meter if the devices have a maximum combined inverter capacity of not more than 1,200 watts. Plug-in photovoltaic devices shall only be connected to systems using smart meters. A customer shall ensure a device is temporarily but securely attached to the ground or a structure.

  (b) The installation of a plug-in photovoltaic device that complies with subsection (a) of this section shall not be required to comply with the requirements of section 248 of this chapter, shall not be required to obtain an interconnection agreement with an electric distribution company, and shall not otherwise be subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission.

  (c) An electric distribution company shall not require a customer using a plug-in photovoltaic device that complies with subsection (a) of this section to:

  (1) obtain the company’s approval before installing or using the device;

  (2) pay any fee or charge related to the installation of the device; or

  (3) install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device.

  (d) Nothing in this section shall prevent an electric distribution company from recovering costs associated with the overloading of the service provided due to the presence of a plug-in photovoltaic device.

  (e) A customer with a net metering system shall not also install a plug-in photovoltaic device. A plug-in photovoltaic device shall not be eligible for net metering. Generation exported to the grid by a plug-in photovoltaic device shall not be compensated by an electric distribution company.

  (f) A plug-in photovoltaic device in a public building, as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 2730, shall be used in a manner that complies with all applicable requirements of the most recent Fire and Building Safety Code adopted by the Division of Fire Safety.

  (g) A tenant shall provide at least 10 days’ notice to the landlord of the tenant’s intent to install a plug-in photovoltaic device in compliance with subsection (a) of this section in the building. The landlord shall respond within 10 days with any reasonable restrictions on the installation of the device, including requiring the tenant to pay for any required electrical work and hiring a licensed electrician to do the work. If the landlord does not respond within 10 days, the tenant may proceed with installation. A tenant shall not perform or hire someone to perform electrical work on the premises for the installation of a plug-in photovoltaic device without the landlord’s permission. A landlord shall not be compelled to perform or pay for electrical work on the premises to allow for the installation of a plug-in photovoltaic device. (Added 2025, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2026.)