HB 4080
Allows a retail electricity consumer to install and use portable solar photovoltaic energy devices with up to a total maximum generating capacity of 1,200 watts.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
Committee
Climate, Energy, and Environment
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
90%
Oppose
10%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows homeowners and renters to install and use portable solar photovoltaic energy devices with a maximum generating capacity of 1,200 watts. It defines what qualifies as a ‘portable solar photovoltaic energy device’ and requires a declaration to be filed with the electric utility. The bill also limits restrictions on these devices in residences, including those in landlords, homeowner associations, and condominiums, and allows the Department of Consumer and Business Services to update building codes as needed. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and becomes operative on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Here's a synthesized paragraph representing the collective views expressed in the Support testimony summaries: Supporters of HB 4080 advocate for making plug-in solar technology more accessible to Oregonians, allowing residents to generate clean energy at home through certified devices connected to standard outlets. The bill aims to decentralize the electricity system, enabling the transition to a smart, safe, and distributed network that minimizes systems peaks, improves resiliency and reliability, and provides low-cost electricity options for consumers. Proponents highlight the benefits of balcony solar, including reducing grid load, lowering electricity bills, and increasing public participation in renewable energy, particularly for renters and households without suitable roofs for traditional rooftop solar installations. They also emphasize that the bill balances multiple stakeholder interests while promoting a cleaner energy future, reducing energy burden in low-income and rural communities, and enhancing safety standards to protect the grid and first responders.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
The opposition to HB 4080 raises significant concerns about public safety, liability, and property management. that broad access to plug-in solar systems without proper oversight poses risks of electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities, particularly in older buildings with outdated smart home devices. They also express concerns that the bill bypasses established code development processes, which ensures technical standards are safe and adaptable to emerging technologies, instead relying on statute for building and electrical safety requirements. Furthermore, opponents highlight potential issues with device sufficiency, landlord and property owner risks, balcony panel safety, and firefighter safety, underscoring the need for stricter regulations or alternative approaches to address these concerns.
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