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119-hr-10851119th CongressWALLET

Socket Full of Sunshine Act

Sponsored By: Representative Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

Introduced

Summary

Expands access to safe, portable solar generation devices and funds point-of-sale rebates for low- and moderate-income households. It creates federal safety and labeling rules, sets domestic-manufacturing criteria, and directs states to consider easing interconnection and net-metering barriers for these devices.

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  • Families and low- and moderate-income households can get point-of-sale rebates up to $1,000 per device, with programs required to prioritize renters, multifamily residents, and high energy-burden communities.
  • Renters and multifamily residents gain protections because a State may receive grant funds only if it bars landlords from blocking device use or placement, while still allowing reasonable placement limits and tenant notice requirements.
  • State regulators must begin considering the new PURPA standard within 1 year and finish consideration within 2 years, including options to exempt portable devices from interconnection or net-metering requirements.
  • Manufacturers face Buy American rules for rebate eligibility and a US-content threshold above 55% for device components.

*This bill authorizes up to $100.0 million per year from 2027 through 2032, increasing federal spending by up to $600.0 million over that period.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Rebates for low- and moderate-income buyers

If enacted, the bill would fund State point-of-sale rebates of up to $1,000 per qualifying portable solar device for low- and moderate-income buyers. Devices would have to be U.S.-manufactured and meet a domestic-content standard (greater than 55% unless another standard applies). States would have to prevent landlords from barring tenants who pay for electricity from using or placing these devices, though reasonable placement rules and notice are allowed. The bill would authorize $100,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, with up to 10% for administration and outreach, and States must prevent double-dipping with other federal benefits.

Safety standard and consumer info rules

If enacted, the bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a final safety standard for portable solar devices within 60 days. The standard would address safe home use and require that devices include information on safe use, installation, expected savings, and warranties. Manufacturers and sellers would be subject to the new requirements.

State review of utility rules for devices

If enacted, the bill would require State utility regulators to start considering portable solar device rules within 1 year and finish within 2 years. Regulators would consider steps like exempting these devices from interconnection or net metering rules and limiting utility requirements for prior approval, insurance, fees, or extra controls. States would not be required to adopt those measures. The deadlines would not apply in States with comparable action in the prior 3 years.

Voluntary label for expected savings

If enacted, the bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission, with EPA and DOE, to create a voluntary label showing expected electricity-cost savings for portable solar devices. The label would be similar to the Energy Guide and is meant to help compare likely savings. Use of the label would be voluntary and would not guarantee actual savings for buyers.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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