REQUESTING THE DELAWARE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY TO ENGAGE IN A STUDY AND ISSUE A REPORT ASSESSING THE SAFETY AND UTILITY OF PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Stephanie Hansen and 5 co-sponsors

DESEU will study portable solar devices for safety, grid impact, usage, standards, and public health, then issue a public report informing future policy and guidance.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

Summary of SR 21 (Delaware, 153rd Session)

Purpose andIntent

SR 21 requests the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) to conduct a study and issue a report evaluating the safety and practicality of portable solar generation devices.

The resolution is framed as a request (not a directive to implement regulations) aimed at informing policymakers, utilities, and the public about the potential risks, benefits, and feasibility of portable solar technology.

Key Provisions

Request to DESEU: The resolution directs the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility to undertake a study focused on portable solar generation devices.

Study Components (anticipated, as outlined by the resolution’s intent):

Assessment of safety considerations for portable solar generators, including electrical, thermal, and fire-related risks.
Evaluation of utility and grid impacts, such as interconnection, backfeed potential, and reliability concerns.
Analysis of consumer-facing aspects, including usage scenarios, storage, handling, and safety guidance.
Review of existing local, state, and federal standards or guidelines governing portable solar devices.
Consideration of environmental and public health implications.
Identification of potential benefits (e.g., emergency power, off-grid resilience) and limitations.

Report and Timeline: The resolution requires the production and public dissemination of a report by DESEU after completing the study. (Note: The exact deadline or timeline is not specified in the information provided.)

Affected Parties

Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU): Primary entity responsible for conducting the study, compiling findings, and issuing the final report.

General Public and Stakeholders: Consumers, safety regulators, utility providers, emergency responders, and policymakers who rely on DESEU’s findings to inform decisions about portable solar devices and safety practices.

Legislators and State Agencies: May use the report to consider potential future actions, standards, or guidance related to portable solar technology.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced and laid on the table in the Senate (as of 2026-06-04). This typically means the bill has been presented to the chamber but has not advanced to committee or a floor vote.

Sponsorship:

Co-sponsors include Stephanie Hansen, Dave Sokola, Claire Snyder-Hall, Russ Huxtable, and Bryan Townsend, indicating bipartisan legislative interest.

Next Steps (typical for resolutions): If advanced, the resolution would generally move through the normal reflex steps for resolutions (committee consideration, potential amendments, and a floor vote). The timing would depend on legislative scheduling and priorities.

Practical Impact

The resolution itself does not create binding regulations or funding appropriations. Instead, it seeks a formal, structured assessment by a state energy utility.

The resulting report could influence future policy discussions, regulatory approaches, or guidance regarding the use of portable solar generation devices in Delaware.

Depending on findings, the report might lead to recommendations for safety standards, consumer education, or coordination with other state safety and energy programs.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize safety standards, potential regulatory implications, or how portable solar devices interact with grid reliability, once more detail from the final report or subsequent legislative actions becomes available.