{"AmendmentNumber":"166","ParentBillNumber":"S3143","Bill":null,"Sponsor":{"Id":"DAF0","Name":"Dylan A. Fernandes","Type":1,"Details":"https://malegislature.gov/api/GeneralCourts/194/LegislativeMembers/DAF0","ResponseDate":"2026-07-01T17:16:22.873"},"Category":null,"Action":"Adopted","RollCall":[],"Title":"Relative to increased access to plug-in solar","Branch":"Senate","RedraftNumber":1,"IsFurther":false,"GeneralCourtNumber":194,"Text":"Mr. Fernandes and Ms. Edwards move that the proposed new text be amended in section 73, in proposed section 142 of chapter 164 of the General laws, by striking out the definition of “Eligible system” and inserting in place thereof the following definition:-\r\n“Eligible system”, a plug-in solar photovoltaic system that is certified by UL LLC, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.”; and\r\nin said section 73, in said proposed section 142 of said chapter 164, by striking out subsection (c) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:- “(c) An eligible system that has a maximum power output to a standard electrical outlet of not more than 391 watts shall be exempt from product listing provisions from UL LLC, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory that would require alterations to the building's premises, wiring or electrical panels.”; and\r\nin said section 73, in said proposed section 142 of said chapter 164, by striking out subsections (h) and (i) and inserting in place thereof the following 3 subsections:-\r\n“(h) A person shall neither directly nor indirectly unreasonably prohibit the installation, use or operation of a portable-scale solar generation device.\r\n(i) A covenant or restriction that explicitly or indirectly unreasonably prohibits or restricts the installation, use or operation of a small portable solar generation device is unenforceable and void as a matter of public policy.\r\n(j) A tenant shall be responsible for any damages sustained to the rental dwelling unit or the premises as a result of any small portable solar generation device installed pursuant to this section. A tenant’s liability shall be limited strictly to instances of documented gross negligence or intentional misuse. The landlord shall carry the burden of proof to demonstrate that the damage was caused by an affirmative act of the tenant outside the scope of ordinary residential use.”; and\r\nby inserting after section 104 the following section:-\r\n“SECTION 104A. Not later than 6 months after the effective date of this section, the board of building regulations and standards shall determine whether changes to the building code are required to permit the use of plug-in battery systems or plug-in photovoltaic systems. If the board determines that changes to the building code are required, the board shall consider such changes within 6 months of the date of such determination.”.\r\n"}