Diagnostic

What's blocking plug-in solar in New Brunswick

Here's the regulatory picture in New Brunswick — what's actively blocking installation today and what creates friction along the way.

Photo: David Whelan / CC0 1.0

Active blockers

Provisions that prohibit certified plug-in systems or impose burden disproportionate to a 1,200 W cord-connected device.

BlockingNew Brunswick adoption of the Canadian Electrical Code under provincial safety legislation

Provincial electrical permits required for grid-tied generation

New Brunswick adopts the Canadian Electrical Code and requires licensed electrician involvement for any grid-connected solar installation. The current permit structure does not contemplate a cord-connected plug-in class even when certified equipment is used.

BlockingNB Power Net Metering Program under the Electricity Act (NB)

NB Power Net Metering — full interconnection required

NB Power is the provincial Crown utility. Its net metering program requires an interconnection application, approval, and bi-directional meter for any grid-connected generation. The same process applies regardless of system size. No cord-connected plug-in category exists.

BlockingCSA Group Standards; UL 3700 Ed. 1-2025

CSA Certification Gap — No Plug-In Solar Framework

CSA Group has confirmed that plug-in PV configurations "fall outside the scope of our current certification frameworks." Solar panels must meet CSA C61215 and microinverters must meet CSA C22.2 No. 107.1, but these standards do not address the plug-in solar form factor. No Canadian equivalent of UL 3700 exists, creating a certification gap that prevents compliant plug-in solar products from entering the Canadian market. The ANSI/CAN/UL 3700 bi-national designation signals intended Canadian applicability, but CSA has not formally adopted it.

BlockingCSA C22.1:24, Section 64; Rules 64-060, 64-216, 64-218, 84-022, 84-024

Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) — Section 64 Requirements

The CEC requires all grid-connected generation to be installed by a licensed electrician with inspection. Section 64 (Renewable Energy Systems) mandates: hardwired connection (no plug-in pathway), physical lockable disconnecting means within sight of equipment (Rule 64-060), rapid shutdown to 30V within 30 seconds (Rule 64-218), DC arc-fault protection (Rule 64-216), and the 125% bus rating rule for dwellings (Rule 64-112). Critically, anti-islanding alone is NOT sufficient — physical disconnects are required in addition to inverter anti-islanding features. The code does not envision cord-connected inverters at any wattage threshold.

How to unlock it in New Brunswick

Every pathway here exists under current law. No legislative change is required.

2Pathways
ZeroNeed legislation
1With precedent

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