Plug-in solar law passed
Vermont balcony solar law
Published by ChoiscoLast verified
Quick answer
Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Vermonters can plug in solar devices totaling up to 1,200 watts per meter, with no utility approval or installation fees, as long as the home has a smart meter. Devices must comply with UL 3700. Renters give the landlord 10 days' notice, HOA covenants cannot ban them, and exported power earns nothing.
The rules, line by line
Each line shows what we checked and where. Labels explained in our methodology.
- Law
- S.202, Act 149 (2026), "An act relating to plug-in photovoltaic devices"Verified
- Signed
- June 16, 2026Verified
- In effect
- July 1, 2026Verified
- Maximum size
- 1,200 W combined inverter capacity per electric meterVerified
- Utility approval or notice
- No approval and no notice requiredVerified
- Fees
- No installation fee, but the utility may recover costs caused by overloading the service.Verified
- Required certification
- Complies with UL 3700 (UL Solutions or an equivalent NRTL) and is installed and operated in compliance with IEEE 1547-2018; must not energize the building in an outage.Verified
- Outlet and wiring
- Plugged into a receptacle; only on homes with smart meters; temporarily but securely attachedVerified
- Renters and landlords
- Tenant gives at least 10 days' notice; the landlord has 10 days to set reasonable restrictions (it may require a licensed electrician at the tenant's cost). No answer means the tenant may proceed.Verified
- HOAs
- Deed restrictions and covenants may not prohibit plug-in devices. Town zoning may not regulate them.Verified
- Pay for power sent to the grid
- None. Not eligible for net metering, and exports are not compensated. You cannot add one if you already net meter.Verified
All facts above last checked Oct. 2, 2026.
Products that mention Vermont
No maker we track says its product is available or permitted in Vermont.
These are the makers' own statements; check each product against the requirements above. See the kit tracker.
Open questions we are tracking
- Few products were certified to UL 3700 as of mid-2026, so the supply of compliant kits is unclear.
- How a utility would charge "overloading" costs is not defined.
Sources
- Source: Vermont Act 149 (S.202), as enacted (primary)
Timeline
- June 16, 2026
Governor signed S.202. - July 1, 2026
Law took effect.
Get Vermont updates
One email when the rules change or a qualifying kit becomes available in Vermont.
This page explains the law in plain English. Your utility, local codes, lease or HOA may add requirements. Estimate your savings with the calculator.