Check Plug-In Solar Laws by State
Select from the dropdown or filter by status below
| State | Status | Wattage cap | Est. annual savings* |
|---|
*Modeled annual savings for an 800W scenario using the calculator's static state price and sun-hour inputs, an 85% system factor, and 75% self-consumption. The embedded values are not live EIA or NREL feeds. Actual results vary. Click any row to see full state details.
How Plug-In Solar Rules Differ by State
There is no single federal permission that makes a plug-in system compliant at every address. State statutes, effective dates, utility procedures, electrical and building codes, product listings, and property restrictions can all matter.
The table is a September 2026 research snapshot embedded in the calculator. It is not a live legislative feed, and a bill's passage, enactment, effective date, and operational requirements are distinct. Verify the current official law and local requirements before relying on a status label.
What “No Specific Law” Means
“No specific law” does not by itself mean either legal or illegal. Existing utility interconnection rules, electrical and building codes, product instructions, and property agreements may still apply. The repository does not contain authoritative evidence for predicting whether a utility will enforce a particular rule or for declaring a wattage threshold safe from enforcement.
In any state, contact the utility and relevant code authority and review lease or HOA terms before connecting generation equipment. Use listed equipment exactly as instructed and obtain qualified electrical advice where required.
Utility and Electrical Requirements
The enacted laws reviewed for this site share some themes, but their definitions, limits, effective dates, notices, safety standards, and installation provisions differ. Depending on the state, requirements may include:
- System size limit — most cap at 1,200W (Colorado is the outlier at 1,920W). Systems above the cap are not covered by the simplified approval pathway.
- Safety certification — applicable product-listing and component requirements depend on the current state law, code, standard, and system design. Verify the exact listing required for the complete installation.
- Connection method — permitted receptacles, circuits, controls, and installation methods can differ by state, code, product, and building. Follow the official requirements and manufacturer instructions rather than assuming that a standard outlet is acceptable.
- Notification — some states require you to notify your utility. Maine requires notification for systems over 420W. Others require nothing at all.
HOA and Landlord Rules by State
Some enacted bills address landlord or common-interest-community restrictions, while others do not. The exact scope and exceptions must be read in the current official text.
State authorization does not automatically override every lease, HOA rule, local code, safety requirement, or utility procedure. Obtain written property approval where applicable and verify the provisions that govern your address.
What's Coming Next
Legislative status can change after the September 2026 snapshot. In particular, the embedded table may lag actions taken after its review date. Consult the official legislature page for the latest status and effective text.
This site does not promise real-time or 24-hour legal updates. The review date and known limitations are documented on the methodology page.
Sources: Official legislature or statute pages were used where available for Utah HB 340, Maine LD 1730, Virginia HB 395, Colorado HB26-1007, Maryland HB 1532, New Hampshire SB 540, Connecticut HB 5340, Vermont S.202, New Jersey S2368, New York S8512C, and California SB 868. See Methodology & Sources for links, review dates, and limitations. This page is not legal advice.