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Plug-In Solar Laws by State
As of October 6, 2026, 10 states have passed laws allowing plug-in solar, and more have bills moving. Most limits are 1,200 watts. Find your state below.
States where plug-in solar is law
| State | Status | Law | Limit | Starts · key rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | In effect | HB 5340 | 1,200 W | October 1, 2026 — Utility approval waived for qualifying systems. |
| Maine | In effect | LD 1730 | 1,200 W | In effect (2026) — Systems above about 420 W need a licensed electrician; notify your utility within 30 days. References UL 3700. |
| Maryland | In effect | HB 1532 | 1,200 W | In effect (2026) — No utility approval needed. Very small systems (about 391 W or less) are exempt from the UL certification requirement. |
| New Hampshire | In effect | SB 540 | 1,200 W | In effect (2026) — No utility fees or prior approval; self-install allowed. |
| Utah | In effect | HB 340 | 1,200 W | In effect (2025) — First state law. Utilities can’t require approval or charge fees for qualifying certified systems. |
| Vermont | In effect | S. 202 | 1,200 W | July 1, 2026 — UL 3700 certification required; no utility fees; tenants give landlords 10 days’ notice. |
| Virginia | In effect | HB 395 | 1,200 W | July 1, 2026 (some parts Jan 1, 2027) — Renter and local-rule protections; utility notification form required. |
| California | Passed | SB 868 | 1,200 W | January 1, 2027 — Up to 1,200 W AC per home through a standard outlet; must be UL- or equivalently certified; no utility fees or permission. |
| Colorado | Passed | HB26-1007 | 1,920 W | January 1, 2027 — Two tiers: about 395 W with no electrician or permit; up to 1,920 W with a licensed electrician and dedicated circuit. HOA bans blocked. |
| New Jersey | Passed | S 2368 / A 4836 | 1,200 W | March 1, 2027 — Nationally certified equipment required, must stop exporting during outages; tenant notice rules. |
"In effect" means the law's start date has passed. Some states also need a utility notice or form — follow your state's process. This is a summary, not legal advice; read the law and check with your utility before installing.
States with bills moving
| State | Bill | Where it stands |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | SB 2902 / HB 2435 | Passed the Senate. |
| Illinois | SB 3104 | Advancing in the Senate. |
| Massachusetts | H 5175 / S 3143 | Both chambers passed versions; in conference committee. |
| New York | SUNNY Act (S 8512 / A 9111) | Passed the legislature in 2026; awaiting the governor’s decision. |
| Oklahoma | HB 4060 | Passed a House committee. |
Bills have also been introduced in Alaska, District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina. An introduced bill is not law.
What if my state has no plug-in solar law?
In the other 26 states, plug-in solar isn't specifically allowed yet. Your utility's normal interconnection rules apply, and they usually require approval before you connect any generating equipment to your home's wiring. Don't plug a kit in without checking with your utility first. In the meantime, a kit can still charge a portable battery that isn't connected to your home's wiring.
What the laws usually say
- A wattage cap — usually 1,200 W of inverter output per home (Colorado allows up to 1,920 W with an electrician).
- Certified equipment — kits must meet a safety certification such as UL 3700, which covers overload protection and stops the kit from sending power into the grid during an outage.
- No utility permission or fees for qualifying systems, sometimes with a simple notice.
- Renter and HOA protections in some states, often with notice to the landlord.
- No payment for exported power in most cases — savings come from what you use yourself.
Sources
Compiled from Plug-In Solar US legislation roundup (Oct 4, 2026), pv magazine USA on California SB 868, pv magazine on New Jersey and UL Solutions on UL 3700. We update this page when laws change — tell us if you spot a change.
Frequently asked questions
Which states allow plug-in solar?
As of October 6, 2026: Utah, Maryland, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, Vermont and Connecticut have laws in effect; Colorado and California take effect January 1, 2027; New Jersey on March 1, 2027. New York's SUNNY Act awaits the governor.
What is the wattage limit for plug-in solar?
Most state laws cap plug-in systems at 1,200 watts per home. Colorado allows up to 1,920 W with a licensed electrician and dedicated circuit, and some states have lower tiers that need no electrician.
Is balcony solar legal in New York?
Not yet. The SUNNY Act passed the New York legislature in 2026 and is awaiting the governor's decision. Until it becomes law, check with your utility before connecting a kit.
Do I need permission from my utility?
In most states with a plug-in solar law, qualifying certified systems need no utility approval or fees, though some (like Maine and Virginia) require a simple notice. In states without a law, utility approval is usually required.
Last updated October 6, 2026.