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)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Alaska?
A dedicated statewide plug-in solar pathway is not currently active in Alaska; HB 257 is listed as deferred. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
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)
Explore Your Next Steps in Alaska
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your AK setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Alaska — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.