Plug-In Solar in Alaska — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 257 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Ashley Carrick
Legislative Status: In House Energy committee. Committee dedicated significant time to the bill. No vote yet.
Current Status: In House Energy Committee (2026)
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 23.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $195/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 3¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 3.1 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from RCA interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without Chugach Electric or Golden Valley approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Alaska utilities currently require interconnection agreements. High latitude limits solar output.
Available Rebates & Incentives
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.
Incentive Program Links
- GVEA — Net Metering (SNAP Program) — Net metering for GVEA members; systems up to 25 kW eligible.
- Homer Electric — Renewable Energy Net Metering — Net metering for HEA members; systems 0.4–25 kW eligible.
- DSIRE — Alaska Solar Incentives — Full list of Alaska state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| 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 Household Income | $92,788 |
| Median Home Value | $352,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 2.36 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 554 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Chugach Electric Association | ~92,000 members | Yes |
| Matanuska Electric Association | ~57,000 members | Yes |
| Alaska Electric Light & Power | ~17,000 customers | Yes |
| Golden Valley Electric Association | ~48,282 customers | Yes |
| Homer Electric Association | ~25,918 members | Yes |
News Coverage
- Why Western states are pushing for plug-in solar — High Country News (March 2026)