Vermont signed S.202 on June 16, 2026. It protects renters and HOA members more than most states. But the UL 3700 rule is strict. This guide is as of October 2026. It is not legal advice, so check your utility's page before you buy.
Is balcony solar legal in Vermont now?
Yes. Act 149 started on July 1, 2026. Plug-in devices do not need a certificate of public good or an interconnection agreement. They are outside the state utility regulator's reach. But the rules on gear are tight, so read the next parts before you buy. For other states, see which states allow balcony solar.
How many watts can I plug in in Vermont?
One or more devices per meter, up to 1,200 watts of combined inverter capacity. The device must be temporarily but securely attached to the ground or a structure. It plugs into a receptacle with a cord. It must also have an anti-islanding feature. If you already have a net metering system, you cannot add a plug-in device.
Do I need to tell my utility in Vermont?
The law has no notice rule. A utility cannot require approval, an install fee or extra equipment. But the devices "shall only be connected to systems using smart meters." So check that you have one. The utility can also recover costs if the device overloads its service. Check your utility's page for its smart meter status.
Can my landlord or HOA say no to balcony solar in Vermont?
Not outright. A renter gives the landlord at least 10 days' notice. The landlord has 10 days to answer with reasonable limits, like using a licensed electrician. If there is no answer, the tenant may go ahead. Deed rules and HOA covenants cannot ban the devices, and towns cannot regulate them through zoning. See our renters guide.
Do I get paid for power I send to the grid in Vermont?
No. The devices are not eligible for net metering, and exports are not paid for. Plan on savings from using the power as it is made. Our savings guide shows how to estimate that for your own home.
What does a balcony solar kit need in Vermont?
It must be certified to UL 3700 by UL Solutions or an equivalent national testing lab. It must also be set up to meet IEEE 1547-2018 with regional default settings. News reports say only some microinverters claim UL 3700 so far, and no complete kit is certified to the full standard. We could not confirm that. See kits sold in the US and the UL 3700 guide.
What can I do in Vermont today?
Check that you have a smart meter. Learn what balcony solar is. Buy only gear with UL 3700 certification, and be ready to wait. If you rent, send your landlord the 10-day notice. A tenant may not do electrical work without the landlord's permission.
The quick version
- Act 149 has been in force since July 1, 2026.
- The cap is 1,200 W combined, and you need a smart meter.
- UL 3700 certification is required.
- Renters give 10 days' notice. HOAs and zoning cannot ban it.