Is plug-in solar legal where you live?
Five states have enacted plug-in solar laws since 2025. Three more bills have passed their legislatures and are awaiting signatures. We track the full picture — updated as laws change.
HI
WA
MT
ND
MN
VT
NH
OR
ID
WY
SD
WI
MI
NY
MA
CA
NV
UT
CO
NE
IA
IL
IN
OH
PA
NJ
AZ
NM
KS
MO
KY
WV
VA
MD
DE
CT
RI
OK
AR
TN
NC
SC
DC
TX
LA
MS
AL
GA
FL
ME
Near passage
Bill introduced
Failed / stalled
No legislation
Law enacted
First US state to enact a plug-in solar law. Systems must be UL-certified. No utility approval required, no interconnection agreement, no fees. Legally treated as a household appliance.
Law enacted
The highest wattage limit of any US state — 60% above the 1,200W standard. Passed the House 48–16. Colorado renters and homeowners can now plug in up to four panels without utility permission.
Law enacted
Utilities may request advance notice and documentation, but cannot require prior approval, charge interconnection fees, or mandate extra equipment. The fifth state to enact a plug-in solar law.
Law enacted
Law signed but not yet in effect — takes effect January 1, 2027. Systems must be UL-certified.
Law enacted
Takes effect July 2026. Part of a wave of Northeastern states moving on plug-in solar in the same legislative session.
Near passage
Passed both the State Senate and Assembly. Awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature — she has until the end of 2026 to sign or veto. The New York Times published an opinion piece on June 14, 2026 calling for exactly this kind of access for renters and apartment dwellers.
Near passage
Passed the Senate 35–1 and has cleared Assembly committees 18–0. Near-certain to pass and be signed in 2026. Would affect the largest renter population in the US — about 17 million renter households.
Near passage
Passed both chambers on June 4, 2026. Awaiting the governor’s signature.
Bill introduced
Advanced out of committee in 2026. Illinois has the second-largest renter population in the Midwest. No floor vote yet.
Bill introduced
Bill introduced in the 2026 session. Massachusetts has among the highest electricity rates in the country.
Bill introduced
Bill introduced. Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the US — the best ROI for plug-in solar of any state.
Bill introduced
Bill introduced in the 2026 session. No floor vote yet.
Bill introduced
Bill introduced in the D.C. Council. Given the city’s high density of renters and apartments, passage would have significant impact.
Failed / stalled
Bill was voted down in February 2026.
Failed / stalled
Bill did not advance in the 2026 session. No floor vote was held.
Failed / stalled
Introduced but stalled in committee. Did not advance to a floor vote.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. Small UL-certified systems are generally tolerated but there is no legal protection from utility restrictions.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. Arizona has some of the best solar resources in the US.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill introduced. Florida has abundant sun and millions of apartment renters — strong potential for future legislation.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. Neighboring Utah and Colorado have enacted laws.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. Nevada has excellent solar resources and a large renter population in Las Vegas.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. New Jersey has high electricity rates and a dense urban renter population.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. Pennsylvania has a large urban renter population in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced. Texas has abundant solar resources and deregulated electricity markets in many areas.
No legislation
No plug-in solar bill has been introduced, though Vermont has historically been a leader on clean energy policy.
| State | Law / bill | Max system size | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | HB 340 | 1,200W | May 2025 |
| Colorado | HB26-1007 | 1,920W | 2026 |
| Maryland | HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act) | 1,200W | 2026 |
| Virginia | 2026 Legislature | 1,200W | Jan. 2027 |
| Maine | 2026 Legislature | 1,200W | July 2026 |
| State | Bill | Max system size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | SUNNY Act | TBD | Passed both chambers |
| California | SB 868 | 1,200W | Passed Senate 35–1 |
| Connecticut | HB 5340 | 1,200W | Passed both chambers |
| State | Bill | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | SB 3104 | Out of committee |
| Massachusetts | 2026 bill | Introduced |
| Hawaii | 2026 bill | Introduced |
| Delaware | 2026 bill | Introduced |
| North Carolina | 2026 bill | Introduced |
| Oklahoma | 2026 bill | Introduced |
| Washington D.C. | 2026 bill | Introduced |
| State | Bill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 2026 bill | Voted down Feb. 2026 |
| Oregon | 2026 bill | Did not advance |
| Missouri | HB 2444 | Stalled in committee |
The remaining 32 states have no formal plug-in solar law and no active bill. Small, UL-certified systems are generally tolerated in most of these states — but there is no legal protection from utility restrictions. Click any gray state on the map for details.
How we track this
We monitor state legislature databases, utility commission filings, and reporting from Canary Media, PV Magazine, and state advocacy organizations to maintain this tracker. Laws are added within 24 hours of signing. No legislation means no formal law exists but no active utility enforcement either — small, UL-certified systems are generally tolerated in most of these states, though your mileage may vary by utility. This is not legal advice; consult your state’s public utility commission for your specific situation. Run the savings calculator for your state →
Solarly.io 