Energy (Solar)

Provides that after December 31, 2025, a permit authority may not establish in a unit a zoning overlay district in which one or more commercial solar energy projects (CSE projects) will be located unless each underlying zoning district across which the proposed overlay district will extend is zoned for a use that, under the unit's existing zoning ordinance at the time the overlay district is proposed, permits the location of a CSE project within that underlying district. Provides that if one or more underlying zoning districts across which the proposed overlay district will extend is not zoned for a use that permits the location of a CSE project within that underlying district, each such underlying zoning district, or part of the zoning district, must be rezoned for a use that permits the location of a CSE project within all or part of the underlying zoning district.

Defines a "plug-in solar power system" as a moveable photovoltaic generation device that: (1) has a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts; (2) is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard outlet; and (3) is intended primarily to offset part of the electricity consumption in the building in which it is used. Provides that electricity generated by a plug-in solar power system is not subject to the Indiana statute concerning distributed generation. Provides that a plug-in solar power system is exempt from the Indiana utility regulatory commission's rules concerning customer-generator interconnection standards. Requires a plug-in solar power system to include a functionality or feature that: (1) is activated during a loss of electrical power to the building in which the plug-in solar power system is used; and (2) prevents the plug-in solar power system from energizing the building's electrical system during the electrical outage. Prohibits an electricity supplier from requiring a customer to do any of the following with respect to the installation or use of a plug-in solar power system that meets certain requirements: (1) Obtain the electricity supplier's approval for the installation or use. (2) Pay any fee or charge related to the installation or use. (3) Install any additional controls or equipment in connection with the installation or use. Provides that an electricity supplier is not liable for any injury or damages caused by a customer's installation or use of a plug-in solar power system.

Provides that electricity generated by a plug-in home solar unit is exempt from Indiana law regarding distributed generation. Prohibits an electricity supplier from requiring a customer to: (1) obtain the electricity supplier's approval before installing or using; (2) pay any fee or charge related to the customer's use of; (3) make modifications to; or (4) install additional equipment as a result of the customer's installation or use of; a plug-in home solar unit that meets specified requirements. Requires a plug-in home solar unit to incorporate functionality that, in the event of a power outage, disconnects the plug-in home solar unit from the electrical system of the building to which the plug-in home solar unit is connected. Provides that an electricity supplier is not liable for any injury or damages caused to a customer by a plug-in home solar unit.