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BALCONY SOLAR KITSUNITED STATES

Is balcony solar legal in my state?

10 U.S. states have passed a law that lets you plug a small solar system into a regular outlet without the usual utility interconnection process. Some take effect in 2027, so check each start date below. Every rule links to its source.

Published by ChoiscoLast verified

No law does not mean banned. In states without a plug-in solar law, connecting any solar system to your home's wiring generally goes through your utility's normal interconnection process. A state law is what removes that step for small plug-in systems. Your lease, HOA and local codes can still add rules anywhere.

States with a plug-in solar law (10)

StateIn effectMax sizeUtility stepCertification
CaliforniaJanuary 1, 2027 Reported1,200 W maximum aggregated AC output per dwelling VerifiedNo approval; exempt from all interconnection requirements. The utility may require a simple online registration of... VerifiedCertified as a plug-in photovoltaic system by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, with a... Verified
ColoradoAugust 12, 2026. The HOA protections and the UL sales rule start January 1, 2027. Verified1,920 W to the grid, one system per address, and no more than one device per wall outlet VerifiedNo approval. The utility may require you to notify it of the device and its size in kilowatts. VerifiedLabeled and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, with a feature that stops it energizing the grid... Verified
ConnecticutOctober 1, 2026 Verified1,200 W, and only one device behind a customer's meter VerifiedNo approval and no notice required VerifiedCertified by UL or an equivalent lab and meeting UL 1741; must meet the State Building Code, the National... Verified
MaineJuly 15, 2026 (90 days after the Legislature adjourned) ReportedTwo tiers per service address: up to 420 W with no electrician; above 420 W up to 1,200 W only if installed by a... VerifiedNo approval. Above 420 W only: notify the utility within 30 days after installing, on a Public Utilities Commission... VerifiedListed or certified to UL 3700, or a comparable standard from a nationally recognized testing laboratory, or... Verified
MarylandJuly 1, 2026 Verified1,200 W back to the building, one system per electric meter, residential only VerifiedNo approval. You must notify the utility before installing, with a certification of the safety features and maximum... VerifiedCertified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory. Systems of 391 W or less are exempt only... Verified
New HampshireNot confirmed. Sources disagree. Pending1,200 W, one unit per metered customer ReportedNo approval. Utilities may set up platforms to document installed systems. ReportedSafety standards of a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL Solutions Reported
New JerseySix months after enactment: about March 1, 2027 Verified1,200 W per device, and 1,200 W combined per service address (or per unit in multi-family housing) unless you get... VerifiedNo approval and no notice required VerifiedListed or certified to UL 3700 or a comparable standard by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; must not... Verified
UtahMay 7, 2025 Verified1,200 W maximum power output. The law does not say whether that is per device, per home or per meter. VerifiedNo approval and no notice. The utility may not require approval or extra equipment. VerifiedCertified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory; must meet the latest National Electrical... Verified
VermontJuly 1, 2026 Verified1,200 W combined inverter capacity per electric meter VerifiedNo approval and no notice required VerifiedComplies with UL 3700 (UL Solutions or an equivalent NRTL) and is installed and operated in compliance with IEEE... Verified
VirginiaJanuary 1, 2027 Verified1,200 W per customer, or per unit in multi-family housing VerifiedNo approval, but you must submit the State Corporation Commission form to your utility before installing. The... VerifiedCertified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (29 C.F.R. 1910.7); must meet the latest National... Verified

Every other state

Bill status comes from news and tracker reports unless marked otherwise. We add a state page only once a bill passes or the law text is verified.

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