Alaska

AK

HB 257 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act

Deferred
Current Status
Last verified: March 2026

Legislative Status

In House Energy committee. Committee dedicated significant time to the bill. No vote yet.

Sponsored by: Rep. Ashley Carrick

Legislation Progress

In Committee

30%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Passage Likelihood

45%

Committee dedicated significant time to the bill — an unusual positive signal. High energy costs and energy independence goals make plug-in solar compelling in 2027.

Session Deadline

May 20, 2026

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

Committee vote needed by April for any chance of passage before May 20 adjournment. Passage in 2026 is uncertain.

Alaska Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate23.8¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
3¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$210/yr
Last UpdatedMarch 2026
Calculate AK Savings
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Key Provisions

Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from RCA interconnection requirements.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

If passed: self-install without Chugach Electric or Golden Valley approval.

Current Limitations

Law not yet enacted. Alaska utilities currently require interconnection agreements. High latitude limits solar output.

Official Bill Reference

In House Energy Committee (2026)
View Full Bill Text — HB 257

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Alaska State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours2.36 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)554 kWh/yr
Best MonthsMay–August

Due to Alaska's high latitude, solar production is highly seasonal. The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file that represents a multi-year historical period for Annette, AK for a Fixed (open rack) photovoltaic system.

Major Utilities
Chugach Electric Association
~92,000 members
Net metering
Matanuska Electric Association
~57,000 members
Net metering
Alaska Electric Light & Power
~17,000 customers
Net metering
Golden Valley Electric Association
~48,282 customers
Net metering
Homer Electric Association
~25,918 members
Net metering

Population
737,270
Total Households
270,533
Owner-Occupied
183,083
Renter-Occupied
90,962
Single-Family Homes
211,282
Apartment Units (5+)
39,960
Median Income
$92,788
Median Home Value
$352,900

34% of Alaska households are renter-occupied — approximately 90,962 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

Alaska has no state sales tax, so solar equipment purchases are tax-free. Net metering available through GVEA, HEA, MEA, and Chugach Electric (systems 0.4–25 kW). Alaska Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program subsidizes electricity costs in rural communities. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.

News Coverage

Media coverage of plug-in solar developments in Alaska.

Why Western states are pushing for plug-in solar

High Country NewsMarch 2026