Balcony & Plug-In Solar in the US
Small plug-in solar kits are legal in a growing number of US states, and still a grey area in the rest. Here is where each state stands, with plain-English guides.
State by state
| State | Status | Bill | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Enacted | SB 868 | Legal from Jan 1, 2027 · 1,200 W · no approval, no fees |
| Colorado | Enacted | HB26-1007 | Legal since Aug 12, 2026 · up to 1,920 W · no approval |
| Connecticut | Enacted | HB 5340 | Legal since Oct 1, 2026 · 1,200 W · no approval, no fees |
| Maine | Enacted | LD 1730 | Legal since Jul 29, 2026 · 420 W easy · up to 1,200 W with electrician |
| Maryland | Enacted | HB 1532 | In force (Jul 2026) · 1,200 W · notify utility first |
| New Hampshire | Enacted | SB 540 | Legal from Jan 1, 2027 · 1,200 W · no approval, no fees |
| New Jersey | Enacted | S2368 / A4836 | Signed Sep 1, 2026 · starts Mar 2027 · up to 1,200 W |
| Utah | Enacted | HB 340 | Legal since May 7, 2025 · 1,200 W · no approval or fees |
| Vermont | Enacted | S.202 | Legal since Jul 1, 2026 · 1,200 W · UL 3700 and smart meter |
| Virginia | Enacted | SB 250 / HB 395 | Legal from Jan 1, 2027 · 1,200 W · notify utility first |
| New York | Awaiting signature | A9111-C / S8512-C | Passed both houses · awaiting governor · 1,200 W if signed |
| Massachusetts | Pending | H 5175 | In an energy bill in conference · not law yet |
| Pennsylvania | Pending | HB 1971 | Bill in House committee · not law · 1,200 W proposed |
| Texas | No bill | — | No bill found · no 2026 session · next session Jan 2027 |
| Washington | No bill | HB 2296 / SB 6050 | 2026 bills failed · advocates plan to try again in 2027 |
More US guides
Basics
What Is Balcony Solar and How Does It Work?
A small solar kit that plugs into a regular outlet. Here is how it works and why it took so long to arrive.
Policy
What Is UL 3700 and Why Does It Matter for Balcony Solar?
UL 3700 is the new safety test for plug-in solar. Here is what it covers and what it does not.
Money
How Much Can You Save With Balcony Solar?
Real yearly numbers for Los Angeles, Houston and New York, and how long a kit takes to pay for itself.
Products
Balcony Solar Kits You Can Buy in the US (2026)
Which plug-in solar kits US shoppers can actually order, what they cost, and which big brands we found no US sale for.
How-to
Can Renters Use Balcony Solar?
Renting is where balcony solar makes the most sense. Here is what to check first.
Money
Is There a Tax Credit for Balcony Solar in 2026 or 2027?
The big federal home solar credit ended on 31 December 2025. Here is what that means for a plug-in kit.
Policy
Which States Allow Balcony Solar? (October 2026)
Ten states have signed balcony solar laws. Six are in force now. New York is waiting on its governor.