H.R. 10851 — Socket Full of Sunshine Act

This section establishes a new federal standard under which each state regulatory authority and nonregulated electric utility must consider measures to promote portable solar generation devices, particularly those manufactured in the United States. The measures include exempting devices from interconnection agreements and net metering requirements, and prohibiting utilities from requiring prior approval, insurance, fees, or additional controls. A portable solar generation device is defined as a movable photovoltaic unit with maximum output of 1,200 watts that connects through a standard 120-volt outlet, meets National Electrical Code standards, and carries Underwriters Laboratories certification. States must begin consideration within one year of enactment and complete a determination within two years, with exceptions for prior state actions.

This section establishes a Department of Energy grant program that awards funds to states to operate point-of-sale rebate programs providing up to $1,000 per device to low- or moderate-income households for portable solar generation devices. States must verify income eligibility at purchase, prioritize renters and high-energy-burdened communities, prevent duplicate federal rebates, and bar landlords from prohibiting tenants’ use of such devices (subject to reasonable size and placement limits). Devices must be U.S.-manufactured with more than 55 percent domestic content. The section authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, with up to 10 percent for administration and outreach.

This section directs the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and the Secretary of Energy, to establish a voluntary label for portable solar generation devices that identifies expected electricity cost savings for consumers and resembles an Energy Guide label.

This section directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate within 60 days a consumer product safety standard for portable solar generation devices. The standard requires inclusion of information on safe home use, installation, expected savings, warranties, and other safety matters determined by the Commission, after consultation with the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, labor organizations, UL Solutions, and solar industry associations.

This section defines terms used in the Act, including electric consumer (per 16 U.S.C. 2602), low- or moderate-income household (per 42 U.S.C. 18795a), Secretary as the Secretary of Energy, and portable solar generation device as a moveable photovoltaic unit with maximum output of 1,200 watts or less, connected via standard 120-volt outlet, meeting National Electrical Code and UL standards, and equipped with a power control system if output exceeds 400 watts.