The legal landscape for plug-and-play solar is changing fast. We track every state bill so renters and homeowners don't have to. Green means go — yellow means watch this space.
| State | Status | Wattage Limit | Details | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Utah |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | First US state to pass plug-in solar legislation. No utility interconnection agreement required, no fees. True plug-and-play balcony solar within the wattage limit. | May 2025 |
Virginia |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | Signed by Gov. Spanberger in April 2026. Passed the House 96–0. Landlords in buildings with 4+ units are prohibited from banning compliant installations. No utility fees, approvals, or interconnection agreements required. Takes effect Jan 1, 2027. | Jan 2027 |
Maine |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | Signed April 2026. Requires a licensed electrician for installation — so not fully DIY plug-and-play. Still a meaningful step forward for solar for renters. | July 2026 |
Colorado |
✅ Law Passed | 395W / 1,920W | Signed by Gov. Polis on May 7, 2026. Two tiers: up to 395W plugs into any standard outlet with no permit or electrician required; up to 1,920W allowed with a licensed electrician and dedicated circuit. Also requires utilities to accept meter collar adapters. Takes full effect Jan 1, 2027. | Jan 2027 |
Maryland |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | Signed by Gov. Moore on May 12, 2026 as part of the broader Utility RELIEF Act. Allows plug-in solar up to 1,200W certified by UL or equivalent. Part of a wide-ranging energy affordability package projected to save Maryland families $150+ per year. | Oct 2026 |
California |
🧡 Passed Full Senate | 1,200W | Passed the full California Senate 35–1 on May 20, 2026. Now heads to the Assembly — legislators have until August 31 to pass it this session. Introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, modeled after Utah's HB 340. A California signature would be the biggest milestone for plug-in solar in the US. | TBD |
New York |
🧡 Passed Senate | 1,200W | Senate passed 62–0 in April 2026. Assembly vote still pending. If signed, would be a major win given NY's population density and large renter base. Requires UL safety certification for all devices. | TBD |
New Hampshire |
🧡 Awaiting Gov. Signature | 1,200W | Passed both chambers May 12, 2026 and sent to the governor. Requires UL or equivalent certification. No interconnection agreement or utility fees required. One of the more streamlined bills in the country. | TBD |
Vermont |
🧡 Passed Senate | 1,200W | Passed the Senate 29–0 in January 2026. House vote pending. Governor supportive. Vermont's high electricity rates make plug-in solar especially compelling for renters. | TBD |
Illinois |
🔵 Senate Floor Pending | TBD | Introduced January 2026 by Sen. Rachel Ventura. Companion bill HB 4371 also active. SB 3104 has cleared committee and is heading to a full Senate floor vote. | TBD |
Minnesota |
🔵 Bill Introduced | 1,200W | Introduced February 2026, referred to the Energy Finance and Policy Committee. Would allow plug-in solar without utility interconnection notice or fees. Bipartisan support. | TBD |
Michigan |
🔵 Bill Introduced | 1,200W | Introduced March 2026 by Rep. Will Snyder. Bipartisan bill to allow plug-in solar without interconnection agreements. Michigan's high utility costs have made this a popular cause. | TBD |
New Jersey 2026 Session |
🔵 Advancing | 1,200W | Multiple plug-in solar bills advancing in the legislature. Considered one of the more likely states to pass legislation in 2026, given the state's existing solar-friendly policies and dense renter population. | TBD |
Oregon |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | Passed the 2026 short session. Customers must file a declaration with their utility before installing. HOAs and landlords cannot ban compliant systems. Full provisions take effect January 2027. | July 2026 |
Wyoming 2026 Session |
❌ Failed | — | Voted down February 2026. Utility opposition was a factor. No timeline for re-introduction. | — |
All Other States 35 states |
⬜ Gray Area | — | No state law specifically addresses plug-in or balcony solar. Your situation depends on your utility's interconnection rules. Review your utility's requirements for small generating facilities before installing. | — |
The majority of US states have not yet passed legislation specifically addressing plug-in or balcony solar. Without a state law, the relevant rules are your utility's own interconnection requirements — and these vary significantly by utility. We strongly recommend contacting your utility or reviewing their interconnection tariff before installing any system. This site provides general information only and is not a substitute for reviewing the rules that apply to your specific address. When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician or attorney familiar with your state's regulations.