Checked November 1, 2026

Is plug-in solar legal in your state?

Ten states have signed plug-in solar laws, and more are on the way. Here's where yours stands, and whether a kit is worth buying yet.

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States with a signed law

State	Law	Takes effect	Limit
California	SB 868	Jan 1, 2027	Check the law. UL 3700 kit reported as required.
Colorado	HB26-1007	In effect (Aug 12, 2026)	1,920 W, highest in the US
Connecticut	HB 5340	In effect (Oct 1, 2026)	1,200 W
Maine	LD 1730	In effect (Jul 15, 2026)	1,200 W. UL 3700 kit reported as required.
Maryland	HB 1532	In effect (Jul 1, 2026)	1,200 W
New Hampshire	SB 540	Jan 1, 2027	1,200 W
New Jersey	S 2368	Mar 1, 2027	Check the law
Utah	HB 340	In effect (May 7, 2025)	1,200 W
Vermont	S 202	In effect (Jul 1, 2026)	1,200 W. UL 3700 kit reported as required.
Virginia	HB 395	Jan 1, 2027	1,200 W. Notice before installing reported as required.

Source: Bright Saver's state tracker, a nonprofit that also sells kits. Laws change quickly, so confirm the details with your state and utility before you buy.

Everywhere else

Bill in progress

New York (awaiting the governor's signature), Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC.

Deferred to 2027

Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington and Wyoming.

No bill yet

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

No law doesn't always mean it's banned, but your utility may require an interconnection agreement. Ask them before connecting anything to an outlet.

Yearly savings, at best

Plug-in solar only saves money when something in your home is using the power as it's made. Extra output usually goes to the grid unpaid, so bigger kits often save less than this shows.

Why there's so little to buy yet

UL launched its UL 3700 certification program for plug-in solar in January 2026, but as of May no product had completed it. Some states require it, so kit choice varies by state and may stay limited for now. EcoFlow's STREAM system was reported as available only in Utah.

Fire safety experts have also raised concerns that guidelines haven't caught up with the laws. Never overload a circuit, use a kit that shuts off automatically when unplugged, and use an outlet the kit's maker approves.

What to check before you buy

Legal status: check your state's law and your utility's rules.
Certification: ask for proof, not a logo on a listing.
Automatic shutoff: the inverter must stop when it's unplugged or the grid goes down.
A real plug: a standard outdoor outlet plug, not hardwiring.
Warranty: the inverter's coverage usually matters more than the panel's.
Your lease: a state law may not override building rules on balcony mounts.

Can't get a kit yet?

A portable power station with a folding panel doesn't connect to your home's wiring, so you can buy one today in any state. You won't cut your bill much, but you'll have backup power when the grid goes down.

See what size you need

Common questions

Which states allow plug-in solar?

As of November 1, 2026, ten states have signed plug-in solar laws: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. Some don't take effect until 2027.

How much can plug-in solar save?

A 180 W kit produces about 270 kWh a year, according to Bright Saver. That's worth about $40 a year at 15 cents per kWh and about $80 at 30 cents, if your home uses all of the power as it's made.

Can renters use plug-in solar?

Often, yes, because the kit plugs into an outlet and leaves with you. State laws differ, and a lease or building rules may still limit what you can mount on a balcony, so check yours first.