{ "meta": { "project": "BalconySolar.org", "description": "US state balcony solar legislation tracker", "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "total_states": 56, "status_definitions": { "favorable": { "label": "Balcony solar legal", "color": "#16A34A", "description": "A state law explicitly allows plug-in balcony solar." }, "pending": { "label": "Balcony solar bill pending", "color": "#EAB308", "description": "A balcony solar bill is moving through the legislature. It is not law yet." }, "restrictive": { "label": "Balcony solar restricted", "color": "#DC2626", "description": "A state law specifically restricts or bans plug-in balcony solar." }, "none": { "label": "No balcony solar law", "color": "#6B7280", "description": "No law addresses balcony solar. General solar and utility interconnection rules apply." }, "unresearched": { "label": "Not yet researched", "color": "#4B5563", "description": "Balcony solar research for this place is not finished." } }, "regions": { "northeast": { "label": "Northeast", "states": ["CT", "DE", "ME", "MD", "MA", "NH", "NJ", "NY", "PA", "RI", "VT"] }, "southeast": { "label": "Southeast", "states": ["AL", "AR", "FL", "GA", "KY", "LA", "MS", "NC", "SC", "TN", "VA", "WV"] }, "midwest": { "label": "Midwest", "states": ["IL", "IN", "IA", "KS", "MI", "MN", "MO", "NE", "ND", "OH", "SD", "WI"] }, "southwest": { "label": "Southwest", "states": ["AZ", "NM", "OK", "TX"] }, "west": { "label": "West", "states": ["AK", "CA", "CO", "HI", "ID", "MT", "NV", "OR", "UT", "WA", "WY"] }, "territories": { "label": "Territories & DC", "states": ["AS", "DC", "GU", "MP", "PR", "VI"] } }, "standard_barriers": [ "Utilities typically require interconnection agreements even for small zero-export systems", "Permitting and licensed electrician sign-off generally required under National Electrical Code", "No specific exemption or regulatory category for portable plug-in solar devices" ], "sources": [ { "title": "DSIRE -- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency", "url": "https://www.dsireusa.org/" }, { "title": "Bright Saver -- Plug-in Solar Legislation Tracker", "url": "https://www.brightsaver.org/state-tracker" }, { "title": "World Resources Institute -- Enabling Plug-in Solar in US States", "url": "https://www.wri.org/insights/enabling-plug-in-solar-states" } ] }, "states": { "AK": { "code": "AK", "name": "Alaska", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Alaska has no law addressing balcony solar. House Bill 257, the Portable Solar Energy Generation Devices bill, would have regulated residential and portable solar generation devices. House Energy heard and held it on February 10, 19 and 26, 2026; its last action was a cosponsor addition on May 6. It had no action in the three special sessions that followed the regular session's end on May 20, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Proposed exemption pathway for portable solar generation devices up to 1,200 watts", "Proposed relief from utility interconnection approval and fees for qualifying devices" ], "restrictions": [ "HB 257 did not advance in the 2026 sessions and is not law", "Qualifying-device limits and safety requirements in the introduced text would apply if enacted" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Alaska HB 257 - Portable Solar Energy Generation Devices", "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB257", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Alaska HB 257 - introduced text", "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Text/34?Hsid=HB0257A", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "AK-2026-HB257", "state_code": "AK", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 257", "title": "Portable Solar Energy Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-02-26", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB257", "status_source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB257", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "AL": { "code": "AL", "name": "Alabama", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": [ "Utility interconnection agreement typically required", "Licensed electrician sign-off under NEC", "No plug-in solar exemption" ], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Alabama", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=AL", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Alabama ALISON bill search", "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "AR": { "code": "AR", "name": "Arkansas", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required", "No plug-in solar exemption" ], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Arkansas", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=AR", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Arkansas official bill search", "url": "https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Search", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "AS": { "code": "AS", "name": "American Samoa", "region": "territories", "status": "none", "summary": "American Samoa has no plug-in or balcony solar legislation. The American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) operates semi-autonomous island power systems across Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands (Ta'u and Ofu-Olosega, which operate high-penetration solar-diesel microgrids). Under ASCA Title 15 and ASPA Customer Generation Interconnection Standards, distributed solar requires formal ASPA review. Due to grid stability constraints on small island grids, ASPA maintains strict interconnection controls and has previously paused new residential grid-export interconnections to maintain grid frequency stability.", "incentives": [ "High retail electricity rates make solar self-consumption highly cost-effective", "Manu'a islands microgrid development serves as territory-wide clean energy model" ], "restrictions": [ "Mandatory interconnection approval from ASPA prior to connecting any generation equipment", "ASPA grid saturation limits may prohibit export on constrained distribution circuits", "Inverters must be certified to UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 with anti-islanding disconnects", "No plug-in solar exemption; unauthorized parallel generation is prohibited under ASPA utility regulations", "Installations must withstand tropical cyclones (160+ mph wind loading)" ], "resources": [ { "title": "American Samoa Government", "url": "https://americansamoa.gov/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA)", "url": "https://www.aspower.com/", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-23", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-06" }, "AZ": { "code": "AZ", "name": "Arizona", "region": "southwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Arizona has no law addressing balcony solar. HB 2843, Portable Solar Power Devices; Requirements, would have created a pathway for portable photovoltaic devices up to 1,200 watts connected through a standard 120-volt outlet, with limits on utility approval, fees, equipment and local permitting. It and the similar Senate bill SB 1606 were held in committee and died when the Legislature adjourned sine die on June 13, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Proposed no-prior-approval and no-fee pathway for qualifying portable solar devices", "Proposed exemption from additional local permits and inspections for compliant devices" ], "restrictions": [ "HB 2843 and SB 1606 were held in committee and died at sine die on June 13, 2026; neither is law", "Devices would need listed safety equipment, anti-islanding protection, NEC compliance, and nationally recognized laboratory certification" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Arizona HB 2843 - Portable Solar Power Devices; Requirements (official text)", "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/bills/HB2843P.htm", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Arizona HB 2843 - Bill Status Inquiry", "url": "https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84677", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "AZ-2026-HB2843", "state_code": "AZ", "session": "57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 2843", "title": "Portable Solar Power Devices; Requirements", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-06-13", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/bills/HB2843P.htm", "status_source_url": "https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84677", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-SB1606", "state_code": "AZ", "session": "57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 1606", "title": "Plug In Solar Energy; Requirements", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-06-13", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/bills/sb1606p.htm", "status_source_url": "https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85238", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "CA": { "code": "CA", "name": "California", "region": "west", "status": "pending", "summary": "SB 868 (Electricity: portable solar generation devices), which its author calls the Plug and Play Solar Act, would exempt qualifying portable solar generation devices with a maximum aggregated AC output of no more than 1,200 watts per dwelling from interconnection requirements, and bar utility approval and fees. The exemption would expire on January 1, 2030. The Senate passed the bill on May 19, 2026 and the Assembly on August 25, and the Senate concurred on August 26. It was presented to the Governor on August 31, 2026 and is not yet law.", "incentives": [ "Proposed exemption from interconnection requirements, utility approval and fees for devices up to 1,200 W aggregated AC output per dwelling (SB 868, with the Governor)", "Existing rooftop solar rights and net metering for full installations", "State rebates and incentives for qualifying solar" ], "restrictions": [ "Until SB 868 passes, plug-in systems fall under standard interconnection rules", "Utility approval typically required for any grid connection", "SB 868 is with the Governor and is not yet law" ], "resources": [ { "title": "California SB 868 (2025-2026) - Electricity: portable solar generation devices", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB868", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Senator Wiener - CHEAP legislative package announcement", "url": "https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/slash-energy-costs-climate-emissions-senator-wiener-introduces-legislative-package-streamline", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE California", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=CA", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "CA-2026-SB868", "state_code": "CA", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 868", "title": "Electricity: portable solar generation devices", "lifecycle": "governor", "lifecycle_date": "2026-08-31", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB868", "status_source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB868", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260710231753id_/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB868", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "CO": { "code": "CO", "name": "Colorado", "region": "west", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2026-08-12", "summary": "Colorado HB26-1007 was signed into law on May 7, 2026, and its general provisions take effect August 12, 2026 unless a referendum petition was filed. It adds C.R.S. 40-2-140 for portable-scale solar generation devices: a single photovoltaic system per address that supplies no more than 1,920 watts to the grid and is labeled and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. A customer may connect no more than one device to a single wall outlet per address. Electric providers may not require prior approval, a fee, or equipment beyond what the device's UL listing integrates, but may require notice of the device's presence and size in kilowatts. Devices of 391 watts or less are also exempt from the solar photovoltaic installation requirements of C.R.S. 40-2-128 and from building safety code or product listing provisions that would require rewiring. From January 1, 2027, no person may unreasonably prohibit a device, and covenants that do are void; property owners may still set reasonable restrictions.", "incentives": [ "No provider approval or fee, and no equipment beyond what the device's UL listing integrates, for devices up to 1,920 W", "Devices of 391 W or less are exempt from the solar photovoltaic installation requirements of C.R.S. 40-2-128 and from building safety code or product listing provisions that would require rewiring", "From January 1, 2027, unreasonable prohibitions of qualifying devices are void", "By December 31, 2026, the PUC must revise its rules to require qualifying retail utilities to post a list of at least one approved meter collar adapter and to decide on customer-owned adapters within 90 days", "Existing state rebates and tax incentives for full rooftop solar" ], "restrictions": [ "General provisions take effect August 12, 2026 unless a referendum petition was filed", "Output to the grid of no more than 1,920 W; one system per address and one device per wall outlet", "Device must be labeled and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and include a feature that stops it energizing the grid during an outage", "From January 1, 2027, devices over 391 W may not be sold, leased or rented unless UL labeled and listed", "Utilities may require notice of the device's presence and size in kilowatts" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Colorado HB26-1007 - enacted Session Law Chapter 127 (PDF)", "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/laws/session-laws/HB26-1007/127/download", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Colorado HB26-1007 - Senate Democrats announcement", "url": "https://www.senatedems.co/newsroom/senate-approves-bill-to-allow-plug-in-solar-panels", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Colorado HB26-1007 - official bill page", "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1007", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Colorado General Assembly", "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Colorado", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=CO", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-22", "bills": [ { "id": "CO-2026-HB261007", "state_code": "CO", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB26-1007", "title": "Improve Customer Use Distributed Energy Resources", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-07", "effective_date": "2026-08-12", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1920, "ac_watt_tiers": [ { "watts": 391, "label": "exemption within the 1,920 W category, not a separate cap: exempt from C.R.S. 40-2-128 installation requirements and from code or product listing provisions that would require rewiring" }, { "watts": 1920, "label": "maximum output to the grid; a single labeled and listed system per address, one device per wall outlet" } ], "primary_source_url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1007", "status_source_url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1007", "last_verified": "2026-08-22", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260711054100id_/https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1007", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1920, "connection_type": "standard_outlet_or_dedicated_circuit", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "exempt", "hoa_renter_rights": "protected" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-22" }, "CT": { "code": "CT", "name": "Connecticut", "region": "northeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2026-10-01", "summary": "Connecticut HB 5340 was signed as Public Act 26-127 on June 4, 2026. Section 9 exempts a portable solar generation device with a maximum power output of 1,200 watts, one per customer meter, from interconnection-agreement requirements set by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and bars utilities from requiring approval, fees other than charges the system incurs through its use, or extra equipment. The device must meet the State Building Code, the National Electric Code, IEEE 1547 and UL 1741, be certified by UL or an equivalent laboratory, stop energizing the building during an outage, and carry a warning that excess generation is charged as usage unless the meter allows net metering. The section takes effect October 1, 2026.", "incentives": [ "One portable solar generation device per customer meter, up to 1,200 W, with no utility approval, extra equipment, fee other than charges from use, or PURA interconnection agreement (Public Act 26-127, Sec. 9)", "Certification by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, with UL 1741, IEEE 1547, National Electric Code and State Building Code compliance", "Existing state incentives for full rooftop solar installations" ], "restrictions": [ "Plug-in solar provisions take effect October 1, 2026", "Devices must meet the State Building Code, the National Electric Code, IEEE 1547 and UL 1741, and be certified by UL or an equivalent laboratory", "Only one device may be used behind a customer's electric meter", "Devices must carry a warning that excess generation is charged as usage unless the meter allows net metering", "Plug-in solar provisions are one part of a broader renewable-power-generation act" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Connecticut HB 5340 (2026 session) - official bill status", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?bill_num=HB05340&selBillType=Bill&which_year=2026", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Connecticut Public Act 26-127 (HB 5340)", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/act/Pa/pdf/2026PA-00127-R00HB-05340-PA.PDF", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-07-30", "bills": [ { "id": "CT-2026-HB5340", "state_code": "CT", "session": "2026", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 5340", "title": "An Act Concerning Renewable Power Generation", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-06-04", "effective_date": "2026-10-01", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?bill_num=HB05340&selBillType=Bill&which_year=2026", "status_source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/ACT/PA/PDF/2026PA-00127-R00HB-05340-PA.PDF", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260706180817id_/https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?which_year=2026&selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05340", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "plug_in", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "uncompensated_export", "hoa_renter_rights": "protected" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "DC": { "code": "DC", "name": "District of Columbia", "region": "territories", "status": "pending", "summary": "District of Columbia Council Bill B26-0602, the Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution (GRID) Amendment Act of 2026, was introduced on February 24, 2026 by Councilmember Allen with six co-introducers, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, which held a hearing on March 26, 2026. The bill would exempt portable solar generation devices from utility interconnection and net metering requirements; the introduced text sets no watt limit. In the absence of enactment, small solar systems remain governed by DC PSC Title 15 DCMR Chapter 40 rules and Pepco Small Generator Interconnection Procedures.", "incentives": [ "B26-0602 would exempt portable solar devices from interconnection and net metering requirements; the introduced text sets no watt limit", "Utilities prohibited from requiring prior approval, charging fees, or mandating extra controls for portable systems", "Proposed shield from utility liability for damage caused by a portable device", "Robust Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market under DC Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)" ], "restrictions": [ "B26-0602 is in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, which held a hearing on March 26, 2026", "Portable devices would have to meet the most recent National Electrical Code, be certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, and include a feature that stops the device energizing the building during a power outage", "Current Pepco Small Generator Interconnection Procedures require formal Level 1 application and review for hardwired systems" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Council of the District of Columbia", "url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "DC-2026-B260602", "state_code": "DC", "session": "26th Council Period (2025-2026)", "chamber": "joint", "number": "B26-0602", "title": "Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution (GRID) Amendment Act of 2026", "lifecycle": "committee", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-03", "primary_source_url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0602", "status_source_url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0602", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "provisions": [ { "label": "Portable solar exempt from mandatory interconnection and net metering", "text": "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a portable solar generation device shall not be subject to interconnection or net metering requirements unless the owner of a portable solar generation device chooses to voluntarily enter into an interconnection or net metering agreement.", "section_ref": "B26-0602, Sec 2 (new Sec 206a(e)(1))", "page": 12, "url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/61310/Introduction/B26-0602-Introduction.pdf" }, { "label": "Electric company prohibitions", "text": "The Electric Company may not require a customer using a portable solar generation device to: Obtain approval before installing or using the system; Pay any fee or charge related to the system; or Install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the system.", "section_ref": "B26-0602, Sec 2 (new Sec 206a(e)(2))", "page": 12, "url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/61310/Introduction/B26-0602-Introduction.pdf" }, { "label": "No utility liability", "text": "The Electric Company is not liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.", "section_ref": "B26-0602, Sec 2 (new Sec 206a(e)(3))", "page": 12, "url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/61310/Introduction/B26-0602-Introduction.pdf" }, { "label": "Safety requirements", "text": "In order to ensure safe operation and reduce impacts on the grid, portable solar generation devices must: Meet the most recent version of the National Electrical Code and be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory; Include a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building's electrical system during a power outage.", "section_ref": "B26-0602, Sec 2 (new Sec 206a(e)(4))", "page": 12, "url": "https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/61310/Introduction/B26-0602-Introduction.pdf" } ] } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "DE": { "code": "DE", "name": "Delaware", "region": "northeast", "status": "none", "summary": "Delaware has no law addressing balcony solar. Senate Bill 270 (2026) would have created a portable-solar generation-device pathway and directed a safety study. It was assigned to the Senate Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee on March 26, 2026 and received no further action before the 153rd General Assembly recessed.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "Delaware SB 270 - portable solar generation devices", "url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143022", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Delaware SR 21 - portable solar study", "url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/143437", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Delaware", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=DE", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "DE-2026-SB270", "state_code": "DE", "session": "153rd General Assembly", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 270", "title": "An Act to Amend Title 26 of the Delaware Code Relating to Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-26", "ac_watt_limit_w": 800, "primary_source_url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143022", "status_source_url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143022", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "provisions": [ { "label": "Definition of portable solar generation device", "text": "Moveable photovoltaic generation device with a total maximum power output per utility meter of not more than 800 watts; connects through a standard 120-volt AC outlet; intended to offset part of consumption; meets current NEC as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal; certified by UL or equivalent.", "section_ref": "26 Del. C. Sec. 1022(a)(2)", "page": null, "url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=143022&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SB270" }, { "label": "Exemption from interconnection unless net metering; UL 1741 anti-islanding", "text": "Meeting device is exempt from interconnection requirements, interconnection agreements and net-metering program requirements unless the customer intends to engage in net metering; device must include UL 1741 (or successor) anti-islanding and be installed per the latest revision of IEEE 1547.", "section_ref": "26 Del. C. Sec. 1022(b)(1)-(2)", "page": null, "url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=143022&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SB270" }, { "label": "Utility duties, registration system and liability", "text": "Utility may not require prior approval, fees (except net-metering interconnection charges) or extra controls; not liable for damage/injury; must establish an online registration system by 2027-01-15 and must prevent registered customers from being charged for excess generation.", "section_ref": "26 Del. C. Sec. 1022(b)(3)", "page": null, "url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=143022&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SB270" }, { "label": "DESEU safety study", "text": "The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility must study the safety of portable solar generation devices and report findings and recommendations by 2027-01-01.", "section_ref": "SB 270, Sec. 2", "page": null, "url": "https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=143022&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SB270" } ] } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "FL": { "code": "FL", "name": "Florida", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Rooftop solar rights law (not plug-in specific)", "Sales tax exemption for solar equipment" ], "restrictions": [ "Utility interconnection required", "Licensed installation under NEC", "No plug-in carve-out" ], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Florida", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=FL", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Florida Senate bill search", "url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "GA": { "code": "GA", "name": "Georgia", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "Georgia has no law addressing balcony solar. HB 1304 (2026) would have set rules for portable solar generation devices of up to 1,200 watts. Its last recorded action was its second reading in the House on February 18, 2026, and no vote was recorded.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required", "HB 1304 never advanced past its second reading in the House; no plug-in solar exemption is in force" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Georgia HB 1304 - official bill record", "url": "https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73191", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "The Current - Georgia balcony solar bill sidelined", "url": "https://thecurrentga.org/2026/02/27/georgia-balcony-solar-bill-sidelined/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Environment America - Georgia balcony solar bill brief", "url": "https://environmentamerica.org/georgia/media-center/balcony-solar-bill-would-give-more-georgians-access-to-clean-energy-and-energy-savings/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Georgia", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=GA", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "GA-2026-HB1304", "state_code": "GA", "session": "2025-2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 1304", "title": "Public utilities; portable solar generation devices; provide", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-02-18", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73191", "status_source_url": "https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73191", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "GU": { "code": "GU", "name": "Guam", "region": "territories", "status": "none", "summary": "Guam's power system is an isolated island grid operated by the Guam Power Authority (GPA) and regulated by the Guam Public Utilities Commission (CCU/PUC). Distributed generation is governed by the Net Energy Metering Act (12 GCA Chapter 8, Article 5; Public Law 27-132, as amended by Public Law 37-71). Under GPA Schedule C (Net Energy Metering Rider), residential systems up to 25 kW may interconnect, but excess generation is credited at GPA's avoided cost rather than full retail rate and expires annually. Interconnection requires GPA engineering review and an approved bi-directional meter.", "incentives": [ "Statutory right to interconnect customer-generator renewable energy under 12 GCA Chapter 8 Article 5", "Avoided-cost credit for monthly net generation delivered to the GPA grid" ], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection application and GPA engineering review required prior to operation", "Strict aggregate capacity cap: GPA may restrict interconnection on saturated substation feeders", "Equipment must be UL 1741 listed with rapid shutdown and anti-islanding capabilities", "Department of Public Works (DPW) building and electrical permits required; typhoon-rated wind mounting required", "No plug-in portable solar exemption; unpermitted grid connection carries disconnection penalties" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Guam Legislature", "url": "https://guamlegislature.gov/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Guam Power Authority - Customer Generation", "url": "https://guampowerauthority.com/", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-23", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-06" }, "HI": { "code": "HI", "name": "Hawaii", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Hawaii has no law addressing balcony solar. Its 2026 session considered two portable-solar bills. SB 2902 SD2 HD1 passed the Senate and was referred to House Consumer Protection and Commerce on March 19, 2026; that committee deferred HB 2486 HD1 on February 24, 2026. Neither bill has had any action since March 2026, and the Legislature's calendar set adjournment sine die for May 8, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Proposed exemption from net-energy-metering and interconnection requirements for qualifying devices", "Proposed prohibition on utility approval requirements, fees, and extra equipment", "Proposed no-cost Public Utilities Commission registration system" ], "restrictions": [ "Neither bill has had any action since March 2026; neither is law", "SB 2902 limits the proposed initial installation framework to condominium units", "Devices require outage anti-islanding protection and nationally recognized safety certification" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Hawaii SB 2902 SD2 HD1 - Renewable Energy / Portable Solar", "url": "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2902_HD1_.HTM", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Hawaii SB 2902 crossover status (Legislative Reference Bureau)", "url": "https://lrb.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026_Crossover.pdf", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Hawaii HB 2486 measure status (deferred by CPC on February 24, 2026)", "url": "https://capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2486&year=2026", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "HI-2026-SB2902", "state_code": "HI", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 2902", "title": "Renewable Energy; Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-19", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2902_HD1_.HTM", "status_source_url": "https://capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2902&year=2026", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "HI-2026-HB2486", "state_code": "HI", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 2486", "title": "Solar Energy; Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-02-24", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2486_HD1_.HTM", "status_source_url": "https://capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2486&year=2026", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260612180955/https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC_02-24-26_.HTM", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "IA": { "code": "IA", "name": "Iowa", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Iowa has no law addressing balcony solar. House File 2046, introduced in the 91st General Assembly, would have set requirements for portable solar generation devices up to 1,200 watts that connect through a standard 120-volt outlet. It was referred to Commerce on January 14, 2026, saw no further action, and died when the 2026 session adjourned sine die on May 3, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Proposed exemption from electric-distribution interconnection and net-metering requirements for qualifying portable devices", "Proposed prohibition on utility approval requirements, fees, and additional equipment" ], "restrictions": [ "HF 2046 died in Commerce when the 2026 session adjourned sine die on May 3, 2026; it is not law", "Proposed devices must meet National Electrical Code and recognized laboratory certification requirements and include outage protection" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Iowa HF 2046 - Portable Solar Generation Devices (introduced text)", "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/HF2046.pdf", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Iowa HF 2046 - bill history", "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/billTracking/billHistory?billName=HF2046&enhanced=false&ga=91", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Iowa Commerce Committee bills", "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/committeeBills?GA=91&committee=696", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "IA-2026-HF2046", "state_code": "IA", "session": "91st General Assembly (2025-2026)", "chamber": "house", "number": "HF 2046", "title": "Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-03", "primary_source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/HF2046.pdf", "status_source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/billTracking/billHistory?billName=HF2046&enhanced=false&ga=91", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260124075139id_/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/HF2046.pdf", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "ID": { "code": "ID", "name": "Idaho", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Idaho has no law addressing balcony solar. House Bill 612 would have exempted portable solar generators from public-utility regulation. It was referred to House State Affairs on February 11, 2026, saw no further action, and died when the 2026 session adjourned sine die on April 2, 2026.", "incentives": [ "H 612 would exempt qualifying portable solar generators from public-utility regulation" ], "restrictions": [ "H 612 died in House State Affairs when the session adjourned sine die on April 2, 2026; it is not law" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Idaho H 612 - official bill status", "url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0612/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Idaho H 612 - introduced bill text", "url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0612.pdf", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "ID-2026-H612", "state_code": "ID", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "H 612", "title": "Solar - Amends and adds to existing law to exempt portable solar generators from public utilities", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-04-02", "primary_source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0612/", "status_source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0612/", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260313113411/https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0612/", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "IL": { "code": "IL", "name": "Illinois", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Illinois has no law addressing balcony solar. SB 3104 (PLUG-IN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS), as amended in committee, would exempt qualifying plug-in solar devices from interconnection requirements, replace pre-approval with notice to the electricity provider within 30 days of installation, and protect tenants and homeowners' association members who install systems that export no more than 1,200 watts. The Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee passed it on March 12, 2026. It was re-referred to Assignments on May 22, 2026 and has not moved since. The similar House bills HB 4524 and HB 4371 were re-referred to the Rules Committee on March 27, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Proposed exemption from interconnection requirements for qualifying plug-in systems (SB 3104, dormant)", "Proposed tenant and HOA protection for plug-in systems that export no more than 1,200 W", "Proposed simple 30-day post-installation notification in place of pre-approval", "Existing Illinois Shines program for full solar installations" ], "restrictions": [ "Bill not yet law; SB 3104 was re-referred to Assignments on May 22, 2026", "Standard interconnection rules continue to apply", "HB 4524 and HB 4371 were re-referred to the House Rules Committee on March 27, 2026" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Illinois SB 3104 (104th General Assembly, 2025-2026) - Senate Committee Amendment No. 2", "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?LegDocId=209538&DocName=10400SB3104sam002&DocNum=3104&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=165712&GAID=18&SessionID=114", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Capitol News Illinois - Plug-in solar legislation coverage", "url": "https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/lawmakers-seek-measure-to-make-small-scale-plug-in-solar-panels-available-to-renters/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Illinois", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=IL", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "IL-2025-SB3104", "state_code": "IL", "session": "104th General Assembly (2025-2026)", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 3104", "title": "PLUG-IN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-22", "primary_source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?LegDocId=209538&DocName=10400SB3104sam002&DocNum=3104&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=165712&GAID=18&SessionID=114", "status_source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3104&DocTypeID=SB&GA=104&GAID=18&SessionID=114", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "IL-2026-HB4371", "state_code": "IL", "session": "104th General Assembly (2025-2026)", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 4371", "title": "PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-27", "primary_source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4371&DocTypeID=HB&GA=104", "status_source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&DocNum=4371&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=0&SessionID=114", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "provisions": [ { "label": "Definition of portable solar generation device", "text": "A moveable photovoltaic generation device with a maximum power output of 1,200 watts or less, designed to connect to a building's electrical system through a standard 120-volt alternating current outlet, intended primarily to offset part of the customer's consumption, meeting the current National Electrical Code, and certified by Underwriters Laboratories or equivalent.", "section_ref": "Sec. 16-107.5a(a)", "page": 1, "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&DocNum=4371&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=0&SessionID=114" }, { "label": "Exemption from net metering, interconnection, and rules", "text": "A portable solar generation device is exempt from net electricity metering program and interconnection requirements and from any rules adopted under Section 16-107.5.", "section_ref": "Sec. 16-107.5a(b)", "page": 2, "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&DocNum=4371&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=0&SessionID=114" }, { "label": "Anti-islanding feature required", "text": "The device must include a device or feature that prevents it from energizing a building's electrical system during a power outage.", "section_ref": "Sec. 16-107.5a(c)", "page": 2, "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&DocNum=4371&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=0&SessionID=114" } ] }, { "id": "IL-2026-HB4524", "state_code": "IL", "session": "104th General Assembly (2025-2026)", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 4524", "title": "PLUG-IN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-27", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&DocNum=4524&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=0&SessionID=114", "status_source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4524&DocTypeID=HB&GA=104", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "IN": { "code": "IN", "name": "Indiana", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Indiana has no law authorizing plug-in balcony solar. Two 2026 bills would have created one, SB 74 (Plug-in home solar units) and HB 1084 (Plug-in solar power systems). Neither left committee, the legislature lists both as inactive, and the 2026 session adjourned sine die on February 27, 2026. Distributed generation interconnection is governed by Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) rules under 170 IAC 4-4.3, which provide Level 1 review for inverter-based facilities of not more than 25 kW. Under SEA 309 (2017), traditional 1:1 net metering closed to new participants in 2022 and was replaced by Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) tariffs crediting surplus generation at 1.25 times the supplier's average marginal price of electricity in the most recent calendar year.", "incentives": [ "Level 1 simplified interconnection review for inverter-based facilities of not more than 25 kW (170 IAC 4-4.3-6)" ], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection agreement with utility required prior to parallel operation", "Must comply with IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 standards with anti-islanding protection", "Licensed electrician and standard electrical permit typically required by local jurisdictions", "No plug-in solar exemption; connection must comply with National Electrical Code" ], "resources": [ { "title": "IURC RM 24-01 - Customer-Generator Interconnection Standards", "url": "https://www.in.gov/iurc/rulemakings/rulemakings-pending-and-effective/rm-24-01-regarding-170-iac-4-4.3/", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "IN-2026-SB74", "state_code": "IN", "session": "2026 Session", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 74", "title": "Plug-in home solar units", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-02-27", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0074/SB0074.01.INTR.pdf", "status_source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/74", "last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, { "id": "IN-2026-HB1084", "state_code": "IN", "session": "2026 Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 1084", "title": "Plug-in solar power systems", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-02-27", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1084/HB1084.01.INTR.pdf", "status_source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1084", "last_verified": "2026-09-25" } ], "rejected_sources": [ { "url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/", "bill_id": "IN-2026-HB1084", "number": "HB 1084", "date": "2026-07-30", "reason": "Generic IGA bill list URL, not a bill page. Citation gate verdict BROKEN on 2026-07-30: live page and archive snapshot both fetched OK and neither mentions HB 1084. Do not re-add this URL." }, { "url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/", "bill_id": "IN-2026-SB74", "number": "SB 74", "date": "2026-07-30", "reason": "Generic IGA bill list URL, not a bill page. Citation gate verdict BROKEN on 2026-07-30: live page and archive snapshot both fetched OK and neither mentions SB 74. Do not re-add this URL." }, { "url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1084/", "bill_id": "IN-2026-HB1084", "number": "HB 1084", "date": "2026-07-30", "reason": "Returns scripts the 691-byte IGA app shell (HTTP 200), which never names the bill; Wayback has no usable capture (warc/revisit dedup record only). Rendered in a browser, the same page without the trailing slash names the bill; that copy is stored (in/in-2026-hb1084-status.txt) and cited as the status source since 2026-09-25." }, { "url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/74/", "bill_id": "IN-2026-SB74", "number": "SB 74", "date": "2026-07-30", "reason": "Returns scripts the 691-byte IGA app shell (HTTP 200), which never names the bill; Wayback has no usable capture. Rendered in a browser, the same page without the trailing slash names the bill; that copy is stored (in/in-2026-sb74-status.txt) and cited as the status source since 2026-09-25." } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "KS": { "code": "KS", "name": "Kansas", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Official exact-phrase searches found no matching measures in the 2025-2026 bill corpus and no matching provisions in the current 2026 Kansas Statutes across all seven balcony, plug-in, portable, solar, and photovoltaic phrases.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Kansas", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=KS", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Kansas Legislature bill search", "url": "https://www.kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/search/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "2026 Kansas Statutes search", "url": "https://www.kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/laws/search/", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "KY": { "code": "KY", "name": "Kentucky", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "Official Kentucky searches of the Legislative Record across all sessions found no entries for balcony solar, plug-in solar or portable solar. The Kentucky Revised Statutes search is not phrase-exact; its only result for portable solar is KRS 236.010, a definition of boilers.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Kentucky", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=KY", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Kentucky Legislative Record and statutes search", "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/lrcsearch", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "LA": { "code": "LA", "name": "Louisiana", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Louisiana", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=LA", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Louisiana Legislature bill search", "url": "https://legis.la.gov/Legis/BillSearch.aspx?sid=current", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "MA": { "code": "MA", "name": "Massachusetts", "region": "northeast", "status": "pending", "summary": "Massachusetts House Bill H.5175, an energy affordability and clean power omnibus bill, includes a proposed portable solar generation device exemption from interconnection and net-metering requirements. The House engrossed the bill on February 26, 2026, with a 1,200-watt device limit. The Senate passed its own amendment (S.3166) on July 1, 2026; its text sets no watt limit for eligible systems. The House did not concur on July 16, 2026, and a conference committee was appointed. The portable-solar provisions are not law.", "incentives": [ "H.5175 would exempt qualifying portable solar generation devices from interconnection and net-metering requirements", "The proposal would bar distribution companies from requiring prior approval, device-related fees, or extra controls beyond integrated equipment" ], "restrictions": [ "H.5175 has not been enacted and does not currently change Massachusetts law", "Qualifying devices would still need to meet the bill's portable-device definition and applicable electrical safety standards if enacted" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Massachusetts H.5175 (194th General Court) - Bill page and history", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5175.Html", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Massachusetts H.5175 (filed text PDF)", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5175.pdf", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Massachusetts", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=MA", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "MA-2026-H5175", "state_code": "MA", "session": "194th General Court", "chamber": "house", "number": "H.5175", "title": "An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness", "lifecycle": "chamber_passed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-07-01", "primary_source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5175.Html", "status_source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5175.Html", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260611202139/https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5175.Html", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "MD": { "code": "MD", "name": "Maryland", "region": "northeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2026-07-01", "summary": "Maryland enacted HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act, Chapter 353) in 2026. Approved on May 12, 2026, the law took effect July 1, 2026 pursuant to Section 22 of Chapter 353. The law creates a residential portable solar energy generating system category for one device per meter, certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, up to 1,200 watts back to the building, connected through a standard outlet. The electric company may not require approval, fees or charges related to the system's ability to feed electricity back, or extra equipment beyond an automatic locking disconnect switch, which the customer pays for if the system requires one; the customer must notify the electric company before installation and certify the system's safety features and maximum capacity.", "incentives": [ "Electric companies may not require approval, fees or charges related to feeding electricity back, or extra controls or equipment beyond an automatic locking disconnect switch, which the customer pays for if the system requires one", "One qualifying portable system may be installed per electric meter for residential use", "Systems with 391 watts or less of output to a standard electrical outlet receive a limited product-listing exemption when premises, wiring or panel alterations would otherwise be required" ], "restrictions": [ "Device must connect through a standard electrical outlet, supply no more than 1,200 watts back to the building, and be certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory", "Customer must notify the serving electric company before installation and provide safety-feature and capacity certification", "Only one portable solar energy generating system per electric meter is allowed for residential use", "Provisions took effect July 1, 2026" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Maryland HB 1532 (2026) - Legislation details and governor approval", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1532?ys=2026RS", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Maryland Chapter 353 (2026) - Enacted text", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Maryland", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=MD", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-07-29", "bills": [ { "id": "MD-2026-HB1532", "state_code": "MD", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 1532", "title": "Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-12", "effective_date": "2026-07-01", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "ac_watt_tiers": [ { "watts": 391, "label": "output to a standard electrical outlet of 391 W or less: exempt from product-listing provisions that would require premises, wiring or panel alterations" } ], "primary_source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1532?ys=2026RS", "status_source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-07-29", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260727084558id_/https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb1532/?ys=2026rs", "archive_status": "verified", "provisions": [ { "label": "Definition of a portable solar energy generating system", "text": "A movable photovoltaic solar energy generation device that is designed to connect to a building's electrical system through a standard electrical outlet, is primarily intended to offset part of the building's electricity consumption, is limited to supplying a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts back to the building's electric system, and is certified by Underwriters Laboratory or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a77-321(A)", "page": 85, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" }, { "label": "One system per electric meter, residential use only", "text": "A person may purchase and install not more than one portable solar energy generating system per electric meter, for residential use only.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a77-321(B)", "page": 85, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" }, { "label": "Carve-outs from net metering and the renewable portfolio standard", "text": "A portable solar energy generating system is not subject to the requirements of \u00a7\u00a77-306 and 7-306.1, is not eligible for inclusion in meeting the renewable energy portfolio standard, and may not generate renewable energy credits of any type.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a77-321(C)", "page": 85, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" }, { "label": "Utility prohibitions and no liability for damage", "text": "An electric company may not require a customer using a portable solar energy generating system to obtain the company's approval before installing or using it, to pay any fee or charge related to its ability to feed electricity back into the electric system, or, except as provided in subsection (E), to install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the system; the electric company is not liable for any damage caused by the system.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a77-321(D)", "page": 86, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" }, { "label": "Customer duties before and after installation", "text": "A customer using a portable solar energy generating system shall notify the electric company providing service in the territory where the system will be installed before installation, provide the company a certification of the safety features and maximum generating capacity of the system, and pay for the installation of an automatic locking disconnect switch if one is required.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a77-321(E)", "page": 86, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" }, { "label": "391-watt product-listing exemption", "text": "A portable solar energy generating system with a maximum power output to a standard electrical outlet of not more than 391 watts is exempt from product listing provisions from Underwriters Laboratory or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory that would require alterations to the building's premises, wiring, or electrical panels.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a77-321(F)", "page": 86, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" }, { "label": "Effective date of the portable solar provisions", "text": "Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 19, and 20 of the Act take effect July 1, 2026.", "section_ref": "Ch. 353, \u00a722", "page": 244, "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf" } ], "full_text": { "source_label": "Chapter 353 (2026), enacted text of HB 1532", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_353_hb1532E.pdf", "excerpts": [ { "heading": "Portable solar provisions, PUA section 7-321 (A)-(F)", "pages": "Chapter 353 pp. 84-86", "text": "7\u2013321.\n\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\n10 MEGAWATTS ON THE SAME PARCEL; AND\n\n(A)\n\nIN THIS SECTION, \u201cPORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM\u201d\nMEANS A MOVABLE PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION DEVICE THAT IS:\n(1)\n\nDESIGNED TO BE CONNECTED TO A BUILDING\u2019S ELECTRICAL\nSYSTEM THROUGH A STANDARD ELECTRICAL OUTLET;\n\n\fHOUSE BILL 1532\n\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n\n85\n\n(2)\n\nPRIMARILY INTENDED TO OFFSET PART OF THE BUILDING\u2019S\nELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION;\n\n(3)\n\nLIMITED TO SUPPLYING A MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT OF NOT MORE\nTHAN 1,200 WATTS BACK TO THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM OF THE BUILDING; AND\n\n(4)\n\nCERTIFIED BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORY OR AN EQUIVALENT\nNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING LABORATORY.\n\n(B )\n\nA PERSON MAY PURCHASE AND INSTALL NOT MORE THAN ONE\n\nPORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM PER ELECTRIC METER FOR\nRESIDENTIAL USE ONLY.\n\n(C )\n\nA PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM:\n\n11\n12\n\n(1)\n\nIS NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF \u00a7\u00a7 7\u2013306 AND 7\u2013306.1\nOF THIS SUBTITLE;\n\n13\n14\n\n(2) IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR INCLUSION IN MEETING THE RENEWABLE\nENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD; AND\n(3)\n\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n\n(D)\n\nMAY NOT GENERATE RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS OF ANY TYPE.\n\nAN ELECTRIC COMPANY:\n(1)\n\nMAY NOT REQUIRE A CUSTOMER USING A PORTABLE SOLAR\nENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM TO:\n\n(I )\n\nOBTAIN THE ELECTRIC COMPANY\u2019S APPROVAL BEFORE\nINSTALLING OR USING THE PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM;\n\n(II)\n\n21\n22\n23\n\nPAY ANY FEE OR CHARGE RELATED TO THE PORTABLE SOLAR\nENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM\u2019S ABILITY TO FEED ELECTRICITY BACK INTO THE\nELECTRIC SYSTEM; OR\n\n24\n25\n26\n\n(III) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (E) OF THIS SECTION,\nINSTALL ANY ADDITIONAL CONTROLS OR EQUIPMENT BEYOND WHAT IS INTEGRATED\nINTO THE PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM; AND\n\n(2)\n\n27\n28\n\nIS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR\nENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM.\n\n29\n30\n\n(E)\nSHALL:\n\nA CUSTOMER USING A PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM\n\n\f86\n\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n\nHOUSE BILL 1532\n\n(1)\n\nNOTIFY THE ELECTRIC COMPANY PROVIDING SERVICE IN THE\nSERVICE TERRITORY IN WHICH THE GENERATING SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED\nBEFORE INSTALLATION;\n\n(2)\n\nPROVIDE TO THE ELECTRIC COMPANY PROVIDING SERVICE IN THE\nSERVICE TERRITORY IN WHICH THE GENERATING SYSTEM WILL BE OR IS INSTALLED\nA CERTIFICATION OF THE SAFETY FEATURES AND MAXIMUM GENERATING CAPACITY\nOF THE GENERATING SYSTEM; AND\n\n(3)\n\nIF THE GENERATING SYSTEM REQUIRES AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING\nDISCONNECT SWITCH TO BE INSTALLED, PAY FOR THE SWITCH INSTALLATION.\n\n( F)\n\nA PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM THAT HAS A\n\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n\nMAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT TO A STANDARD ELECTRICAL OUTLET OF NOT MORE THAN\n391 WATTS IS EXEMPT FROM PRODUCT LISTING PROVISIONS FROM UNDERWRITERS\nLABORATORY OR AN EQUIVALENT NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING LABORATORY\nTHAT WOULD REQUIRE ALTERATIONS TO THE BUILDING\u2019S PREMISES, WIRING, OR\nELECTRICAL PANELS.\n\n16\n\n" }, { "heading": "Section 22 - effective date", "pages": "Chapter 353, p. 244", "text": "SECTION 22. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 19,\nand 20 of this Act shall take effect July 1, 2026.\n\n" } ] }, "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "dedicated_circuit_over_391w", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "exempt", "hoa_renter_rights": "tenant_and_hoa_protected" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-07-29" }, "ME": { "code": "ME", "name": "Maine", "region": "northeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2026-07-29", "summary": "Maine enacted LD 1730, An Act to Make Small Plug-in Solar Generation Devices Accessible for All Maine Residents to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis. The official summary records passage in both chambers, the Governor's signature, and Public Law Chapter 644 on April 6, 2026. The law took effect July 29, 2026, the general effective date for nonemergency laws of the Second Regular Session. It covers plug-in photovoltaic and battery systems: up to 420 W of combined inverter output per service address, and up to 1,200 W with a Maine-licensed electrician, a dedicated single-outlet circuit, and notice to the utility within 30 days.", "incentives": [ "Up to 420 W of combined inverter output per service address, measured in alternating current, with no electrician condition and no utility approval (LD 1730)", "Combined inverter output above 420 W and up to 1,200 W per service address with a Maine-licensed electrician, a dedicated circuit with a single outlet, and notice to the utility within 30 days of installation", "Utilities may not require approval, an interconnection application, agreement or study, a fee, or extra equipment, and may not deny a compliant installation" ], "restrictions": [ "When combined inverter output per service address exceeds 420 W, each system must be installed by an electrician licensed in Maine and use a dedicated circuit with a single outlet", "Combined inverter output is capped at 1,200 W per service address", "Eligible systems must be listed or certified to UL 3700, certified to a comparable standard by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, or configured to the adopted National Electrical Code", "Photovoltaic systems' inverters must be configured to shut off after 0.2 seconds if power is disrupted", "Eligible systems may not be used for net energy billing", "Law effective July 29, 2026" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Maine LD 1730 - official enacted-law summary", "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280098657", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Maine LD 1730 - Plug-in Solar Law (NRCM explainer)", "url": "https://www.nrcm.org/blog/what-to-know-maines-new-plug-in-solar-law/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Maine Public - Legislators vote to legalize plug-in solar", "url": "https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2026-04-07/maine-legislators-vote-to-legalize-plug-in-solar", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Maine", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=ME", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [ { "id": "ME-2025-LD1730", "state_code": "ME", "session": "132nd Legislature, Second Regular Session (2025-2026)", "chamber": "senate", "number": "LD 1730", "title": "An Act to Make Small Plug-in Solar Generation Devices Accessible for All Maine Residents to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-04-06", "effective_date": "2026-07-29", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280098657", "status_source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280098657", "last_verified": "2026-08-04", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260512155407/https://legislature.maine.gov/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0676&item=5&snum=132", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "plug_in_dedicated_circuit_over_420w", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "uncompensated", "hoa_renter_rights": "unaddressed" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "MI": { "code": "MI", "name": "Michigan", "region": "midwest", "status": "pending", "summary": "Michigan has no law authorizing plug-in or balcony solar yet. HB 5764, introduced March 19, 2026, would exempt plug-in photovoltaic systems of up to 1,200 watts from the distributed generation program and interconnection requirements, and bar utilities from requiring approval or charging fees. It is in the House Committee on Energy. Small distributed generation interconnection is governed by Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) rules under R 460.901a through R 460.1026 (Michigan Interconnection and Distributed Generation Standards, MIXDG). Level 1 review applies to certified inverter-based projects up to 20 kW. Public Act 235 of 2023 raised the distributed generation program cap from 1% to 10% of a utility's average in-state peak load for the preceding 5 calendar years.", "incentives": [ "Level 1 simplified review for certified projects of 20 kW AC or less under MPSC MIXDG rules (R 460.901b)", "Statewide distributed generation cap increased from 1% to 10% under Public Act 235 of 2023", "Alternative electric suppliers and utilities offer distributed generation tariffs" ], "restrictions": [ "Formal interconnection review and approval required from electric utility", "Inverters must meet IEEE 1547-2018 and UL 1741 SB standards with certified anti-islanding", "Connection must comply with Michigan Electrical Code (NEC Article 705); no plug-and-play carve-out", "Local electrical building permits required" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Michigan Legislature - official bill search", "url": "https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Michigan Public Service Commission - Distributed Generation", "url": "https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/electricity/distributed-generation", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "MI-2026-HB5764", "state_code": "MI", "session": "2025-2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 5764", "title": "Energy: alternative sources; regulations regarding small portable solar generation devices; provide for. Amends 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1232) by adding sec. 115.", "lifecycle": "committee", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-19", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5764", "status_source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5764", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "MN": { "code": "MN", "name": "Minnesota", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Minnesota has no law addressing balcony solar. HF 3555, introduced in the 94th Legislature, would have regulated plug-in solar photovoltaic devices up to 1,200 watts and exempted qualifying devices from utility interconnection agreements, net-metering provisions, and utility fees or approval requirements. It never left the Energy Finance and Policy Committee. The SF 4504 omnibus passed the Senate on May 12, 2026 but not the House. Both died when the Legislature adjourned sine die.", "incentives": [ "HF 3555 would exempt qualifying plug-in solar photovoltaic devices from interconnection agreements and net-metering requirements", "The bill would prohibit utility fees, conditions, approvals, or reporting requirements for covered devices" ], "restrictions": [ "HF 3555 and SF 4504 died when the Legislature adjourned sine die; neither is law", "Covered devices would be limited to 1,200 watts and require recognized laboratory listing or certification" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Minnesota HF 3555 (94th Legislature) - House status", "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/3555/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Minnesota HF 3555 - Introduced bill text", "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/3555/versions/latest/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Minnesota", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=MN", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "MN-2026-HF3555", "state_code": "MN", "session": "94th Legislature (2025-2026)", "chamber": "house", "number": "HF 3555", "title": "Installation and operation of a plug-in solar photovoltaic device regulated", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-04-22", "primary_source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/3555/versions/latest/", "status_source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/3555/", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "MN-2026-SF4504", "state_code": "MN", "session": "94th Legislature (2025-2026)", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SF 4504", "title": "Omnibus Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate policy bill", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-12", "primary_source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/4504/", "status_source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/4504/versions/2/pdf", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "provisions": [ { "label": "Definition of plug-in solar photovoltaic device", "text": "A portable photovoltaic device intended primarily to offset a portion of a customer's electricity consumption, having a maximum power output of 1,200 watts, capable of being connected with an on-site energy storage system, and listed or certified to UL 3700 as compliant with the requirements for interactive plug-in photovoltaic equipment and systems.", "section_ref": "Sec. 1 [216B.2413], subd. 1", "page": 1, "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/4504/versions/2/pdf" }, { "label": "Interconnection, net-metering, and fee exemptions; utility liability", "text": "Exempts the device from the requirement to enter an interconnection agreement, from net metering under section 216B.164, and from fees, conditions, approval, or reporting requirements on installation or operation except as specified; the electric utility is not liable for damage or injury caused by the device.", "section_ref": "Sec. 1 [216B.2413], subd. 2", "page": 1, "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/4504/versions/2/pdf" }, { "label": "Registration and installation", "text": "An electric utility may require the customer to register the device with the customer's name and contact information, service address and account number, brand and model, and size in kilowatts; the customer must install it per the manufacturer's instructions.", "section_ref": "Sec. 1 [216B.2413], subd. 3-4", "page": 1, "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/4504/versions/2/pdf" } ] } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "MO": { "code": "MO", "name": "Missouri", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Missouri has no law addressing balcony solar. Its 2026 portable-solar bills, HB 2444 and HB 2528, were both read a second time on January 8, 2026 and referred to Emerging Issues on May 15, 2026. Both died when the House adjourned sine die on May 30, 2026.", "incentives": [ "HB 2444 and HB 2528 would exempt qualifying portable solar generation devices from specified utility and net-metering requirements", "Both proposals would prohibit prior utility approval, device-related fees, and demands for additional controls beyond integrated equipment" ], "restrictions": [ "Neither 2026 bill was enacted", "Proposed devices must include a feature preventing energization of the building during a power outage" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Missouri HB 2444 (2026) - Bill information and status", "url": "https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB2444&code=R&style=new&year=2026", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Missouri HB 2528 (2026) - Bill information and status", "url": "https://house.mo.gov/BillContentMobile.aspx?bill=HB2528&code=R+&year=2026", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Missouri HB 2444 - introduced bill summary", "url": "https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/sumpdf/HB2444I.pdf", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "MO-2026-HB2444", "state_code": "MO", "session": "103rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 2444", "title": "Exempts portable solar generation devices from public service commission regulations", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-30", "primary_source_url": "https://house.mo.gov/BillContentMobile.aspx?bill=HB2444&code=R+&year=2026", "status_source_url": "https://house.mo.gov/BillContentMobile.aspx?bill=HB2444&code=R+&year=2026", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "MO-2026-HB2528", "state_code": "MO", "session": "103rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 2528", "title": "Exempts portable solar generation devices from public service commission regulations", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-30", "primary_source_url": "https://house.mo.gov/BillContentMobile.aspx?bill=HB2528&code=R+&year=2026", "status_source_url": "https://house.mo.gov/BillContentMobile.aspx?bill=HB2528&code=R+&year=2026", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "MP": { "code": "MP", "name": "Northern Mariana Islands", "region": "territories", "status": "none", "summary": "The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has no legislation authorizing plug-in balcony solar. Distributed renewable energy is governed by Public Law 18-75 (4 CMC \u00a7 8601 et seq.) and Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) regulations. CUC offers net metering for customer-generators up to 25 kW on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, but total program capacity is capped at 30% of island peak load. Interconnection requires CUC engineering sign-off, UL-certified inverters, and DPW permits.", "incentives": [ "CUC net metering credit for monthly excess generation up to system capacity caps", "Commonwealth environmental incentives and utility billing offset" ], "restrictions": [ "Formal interconnection agreement and inspection required with CUC before parallel operation", "Island feeder saturation limits: CUC may reject applications on circuits nearing stability limits", "Inverters must comply with IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 with anti-islanding protection", "Compliance with local building safety codes, including high-wind typhoon anchoring standards", "No plug-in or balcony solar exemption from utility interconnection" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature", "url": "https://www.cnmileg.net/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC)", "url": "https://www.cucgov.org/", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-21", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-06" }, "MS": { "code": "MS", "name": "Mississippi", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Mississippi", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=MS", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Mississippi Legislature 2026 measure index", "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/mainmenu.htm", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "MT": { "code": "MT", "name": "Montana", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Montana has no statute or administrative rule specifically addressing plug-in balcony solar generation. Interconnection of small customer generators is regulated by the Montana Public Service Commission under ARM 38.5.8401 et seq. (Small Generator Interconnection Rules) and Title 69, Chapter 8, Part 6 MCA (net metering). Net-metered customer generators up to 50 kW are permitted on investor-owned utility systems (NorthWestern Energy) with simplified interconnection.", "incentives": [ "Simplified Level 1 interconnection for certified inverter systems up to 25 kW under ARM 38.5.8409", "Net metering for systems of not more than 50 kW under 69-8-601 et seq. MCA (defined in 69-8-103)", "Property tax exemption for 10 years on $20,000 of the appraised value of a nonfossil energy generation system on a single-family home, or $100,000 on a multifamily or nonresidential building (15-6-224 MCA)" ], "restrictions": [ "Standard interconnection application and approval required before connecting to the grid", "System must incorporate UL 1741 listed inverter with automatic anti-islanding disconnect", "Compliance with National Electrical Code and local building inspection requirements", "No plug-in appliance exemption" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Montana Bill Explorer", "url": "https://bills.legmt.gov/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Montana", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=MT", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "NC": { "code": "NC", "name": "North Carolina", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "North Carolina has no law addressing balcony solar. H1129, Balcony Solar, would authorize qualifying movable portable solar photovoltaic devices up to 1.2 kilowatts through a standard 120-volt outlet. It was referred to House Rules on April 30, 2026. Resolution 2026-6 limits each remaining 2026 sitting to listed matters that do not include it, and sets sine die for December 18, 2026.", "incentives": [ "H1129 proposes a portable balcony-solar pathway for qualifying devices up to 1.2 kilowatts" ], "restrictions": [ "H1129 cannot be taken up at the remaining 2026 sittings and is not law", "The proposal includes utility, tenant, landlord, notice, and safety conditions" ], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE North Carolina", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NC", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "North Carolina H1129 - official bill record", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1129", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "NC-2025-H1129", "state_code": "NC", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 1129", "title": "Balcony Solar", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-04-30", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/HTML/H1129v1.html", "status_source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1129", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "ND": { "code": "ND", "name": "North Dakota", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE North Dakota", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=ND", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "North Dakota 69th Assembly bill data", "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/api/assembly/69-2025/data/bills.json", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "NE": { "code": "NE", "name": "Nebraska", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Nebraska", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NE", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Nebraska Legislature keyword bill search", "url": "https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_past.php", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "NH": { "code": "NH", "name": "New Hampshire", "region": "northeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2027-01-01", "summary": "New Hampshire SB 540, relative to plug-in solar generation systems, was signed into law on July 2, 2026 as Chapter 262. Its plug-in provisions take effect January 1, 2027; the building-code section takes effect when the department of energy certifies that a national standard exists. Each metered customer may have one plug-in solar generation system with a maximum inverter output of 1,200 watts AC, certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and utilities may not require approval, interconnection review or an agreement, fees other than charges from use, or extra equipment.", "incentives": [ "One plug-in solar generation system per metered customer, up to 1,200 W AC inverter output", "No utility approval, interconnection review or agreement, fee other than charges from use, or extra equipment" ], "restrictions": [ "Systems must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to applicable safety standards", "Utilities may set up a way for customers to report system wattage after installation, for notification only", "Plug-in provisions take effect January 1, 2027; the building-code section waits on certification that a national standard exists" ], "resources": [ { "title": "New Hampshire SB 540 (2026) - official bill docket", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1317&inflect=2", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "New Hampshire SB 540 (Chapter 262, 2026) - Enacted text", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&id=1317&txtFormat=html", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Granite Geek - 'Balcony solar' is popular all over the place (including NH)", "url": "https://granitegeek.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/27/balcony-solar-is-popular-all-over-the-place-including-nh/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE New Hampshire", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NH", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-04-20", "bills": [ { "id": "NH-2026-SB540", "state_code": "NH", "session": "2026", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 540", "title": "Relative to plug-in solar generation systems", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-07-02", "effective_date": "2027-01-01", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1317&inflect=2", "status_source_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1317&inflect=2", "last_verified": "2026-07-29", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260127091107id_/https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1317&inflect=2", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "plug_in", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "exempt", "hoa_renter_rights": "unaddressed" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-07-29" }, "NJ": { "code": "NJ", "name": "New Jersey", "region": "northeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2027-03-01", "summary": "New Jersey enacted the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368) on September 1, 2026 as P.L.2026, c.82. The law exempts qualifying moveable photovoltaic generation devices -- up to 1,200 watts, connected through a standard 120-volt alternating current outlet on the customer side of the meter -- from interconnection and net-metering requirements. The official legislative history records Senate passage 38-0 on March 23, 2026, Assembly passage 79-0-1 on June 30, 2026 after substitution for A4836, concurrence by the Senate 40-0 the same day, and approval on September 1, 2026. The law takes effect March 1, 2027 (six months after the September 1, 2026 date of enactment pursuant to Section 5 of P.L.2026, c.82). Verified 2026-09-04.", "incentives": [ "Up to 1,200 W per device, and 1,200 W combined per service address or dwelling unit without an interconnection agreement", "Exempt from interconnection-agreement and net-metering requirements under P.L.2026, c.82; utilities may not require approval, fees or extra equipment", "Landlords may not prohibit a tenant who pays for the electricity from using a device, associations may not enforce bans, and municipalities may not require a permit, application, fee, license or other approval for placement or use; building modifications and electrical work still need the usual permits and inspections", "Standard 120-volt alternating current outlet connection on the customer side of the meter" ], "restrictions": [ "Device must be listed or certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to UL 3700, a comparable standard or a combination of standards, and stop exporting power during an outage", "Installation must follow the product listing, the NEC and the State Uniform Construction Code; devices with 400 W or less of output to the receptacle outlet are exempt from provisions that would require alterations to the building's premises, wiring or electrical panels", "The landlord protection covers use or placement within the tenant's leased premises, including a leased balcony or patio; tenants must give the landlord or association 14 days' written notice with documentation that the device qualifies and its proposed location; landlords and associations may set reasonable restrictions on size, placement or manner of placement", "Law takes effect March 1, 2027 (six months post-enactment)" ], "resources": [ { "title": "New Jersey S2368 - Third Reprint, the text as passed by both houses (the chaptered P.L.2026, c.82 text is not published)", "url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S2500/2368_R3.HTM", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "New Jersey S2368 (222nd Legislature) - bill text as introduced", "url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S2500/2368_I1.HTM", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "New Jersey S2368 - Senate Environment and Energy Committee statement (2026-03-16)", "url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S2500/2368_S1.HTM", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "New Jersey S2368 - Assembly Budget Committee statement (2026-06-28)", "url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S2500/2368_S4.HTM", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-04", "bills": [ { "id": "NJ-2026-S2368", "state_code": "NJ", "session": "2026-2027", "chamber": "senate", "number": "S 2368", "title": "Garden State Balcony Solar Act (P.L.2026, c.82)", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-09-01", "effective_date": "2027-03-01", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "ac_watt_tiers": [ { "watts": 400, "label": "output to the receptacle outlet of 400 W or less: exempt from listing, NEC and construction-code provisions that would require premises, wiring or panel alterations" } ], "primary_source_url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S2500/2368_R3.HTM", "status_source_url": "https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2368", "last_verified": "2026-09-04", "archive_status": "unavailable", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "plug_in", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "exempt", "hoa_renter_rights": "unaddressed" } ], "rejected_sources": [ { "url": "https://njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2368", "bill_id": "NJ-2026-S2368", "number": "S 2368", "date": "2026-07-30", "reason": "Generic Next.js bill-search app (behind reCAPTCHA): the served HTML is an app shell that never names S 2368, and the February 2026 archive snapshot is the same shell. Rendered in a browser on 2026-09-25, the page does name S2368 and lists it as signed by the Governor, but a plain fetch cannot see that. Quarantined once before for this reason, then re-added by a later agent. Citation gate verdict BROKEN on 2026-07-30. Use the pub.njleg.state.nj.us bill documents instead." } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-07-30" }, "NM": { "code": "NM", "name": "New Mexico", "region": "southwest", "status": "none", "summary": "New Mexico Senate Bill 157 would create a portable solar generation device category for movable photovoltaic devices up to 1,920 watts connected through a 120 V outlet, with anti-islanding, electrical-code, and nationally recognized testing-laboratory requirements. It would exempt qualifying devices from interconnection and net-metering requirements and bar utility approval, registration, and device-related fees. The official legislative record lists the bill as died and postponed indefinitely, so the proposal is not law.", "incentives": [ "Proposed 1,920 W plug-in solar pathway exempt from interconnection and net metering (SB 157)", "Proposed prohibition on utility approval, registration, and device-related fees", "Proposed protection against covenants that prohibit qualifying portable solar devices" ], "restrictions": [ "SB 157 was postponed indefinitely and is not law", "Qualifying devices would still need to meet the New Mexico electrical code and NRTL certification", "Anti-islanding protection is required by the proposed bill" ], "resources": [ { "title": "New Mexico SB 157 - Use of Portable Solar Generation Devices", "url": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/26%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0157.HTML", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "New Mexico SB 157 legislative status", "url": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legno=157&legtype=B&year=26", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "NM-2026-SB157", "state_code": "NM", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 157", "title": "Use of Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-01-26", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1920, "primary_source_url": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/26%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0157.HTML", "status_source_url": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legno=157&legtype=B&year=26", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260413195535/https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/26%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0157.html", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "NV": { "code": "NV", "name": "Nevada", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Nevada has not established a plug-in balcony solar exemption. Net metering is governed by NRS 704.766 through 704.776, first enacted in 1997 and amended since. Net energy metering (NEM) in NV Energy service territories currently operates under Tier 4 (credits excess generation at 75% of the retail rate). NRS 278.0208 bars ordinances, deed restrictions and covenants that prohibit or unreasonably restrict a system for obtaining solar energy. NRS 116.333 governs how a common-interest community association handles an owner's request to install a distributed generation system.", "incentives": [ "NRS 116.333: an association without distributed generation rules must approve an owner's request within 15 days and may not deny it or impose conditions", "Tier 4 net metering provides excess generation credits at 75% of retail rates", "Simplified standard interconnection process for systems up to 25 kW" ], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection application with NV Energy required under Rule 15", "Certified inverters meeting UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 with anti-islanding required", "Installation must comply with National Electrical Code and local building codes", "No plug-in portable generation exemption; a net metering system must be on the customer's premises and operate in parallel with the utility (NRS 704.771)" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Nevada NELIS 83rd Session bills", "url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/HomeBill/BillsTab", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Nevada", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NV", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "NY": { "code": "NY", "name": "New York", "region": "northeast", "status": "pending", "summary": "New York's Solar Up Now NY Act, which its sponsors call the SUNNY Act, would create a legal category for portable solar generation devices and exempt qualifying systems from standard interconnection and net-metering rules. On May 28, 2026, the Assembly-passed A.9111C, identified by the Legislature as the same measure as S.8512C, was substituted for S.8512C, passed the Senate, and returned to the Assembly. The official record does not yet show delivery to the governor.", "incentives": [ "Proposed exemption from interconnection and net metering for devices supplying up to 1,200 W of aggregate continuous AC inverter nameplate output to the grid (A.9111-C / S.8512-C, passed both houses)", "Proposed listing or certification by an accredited nationally recognized testing laboratory", "Existing NY-Sun program and state tax credit for full solar installations" ], "restrictions": [ "Bill not yet law; the official records do not show delivery to the governor", "Standard interconnection rules continue to apply", "Further enrollment and governor action are still required", "The owner would have to notify the utility within 30 days of installing a device" ], "resources": [ { "title": "New York A.9111-C (same as S.8512-C) - text as passed by both houses", "url": "https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2025/A9111C", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Sen. Liz Krueger - SUNNY Act introduction press release", "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/liz-krueger/krueger-gallagher-introduce-sunny-act-support-balcony", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "NYSERDA", "url": "https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE New York", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NY", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "NY-2025-S8512", "state_code": "NY", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "senate", "number": "S.8512", "title": "Solar Up Now NY Act", "lifecycle": "chamber_passed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-28", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8512/amendment/C", "status_source_url": "https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?Actions=Y&Memo=Y&Summary=Y&Text=Y&bn=A9111C&term=2025", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260601215145id_/https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8512/amendment/C", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "OH": { "code": "OH", "name": "Ohio", "region": "midwest", "status": "pending", "summary": "Ohio HB 755 was introduced in the 136th General Assembly on March 11, 2026 by State Reps. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted). The bill would formally allow small plug-in solar systems and require devices to be certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory. The matching Senate bill, SB 383, was referred to the Senate Energy Committee on March 25, 2026. Both await committee hearings.", "incentives": [ "Proposed plug-in solar regulatory framework (HB 755, introduced)", "Proposed certification by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory" ], "restrictions": [ "Bill not yet law; interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required", "Committee hearings and chamber votes still required" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Ohio HB 755 (136th General Assembly, 2025-2026)", "url": "https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb755", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Rep. Tristan Rader - Balcony Solar Bill press release", "url": "https://ohiohouse.gov/members/tristan-rader/news/reps-rader-glassburn-introduce-balcony-solar-bill-to-expand-affordable-energy-in-ohio-142501", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Columbus Navigator - Ohio Lawmakers Push for Plug-in Solar", "url": "https://www.columbusnavigator.com/balcony-solar-ohio-legislation/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Ohio", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=OH", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "OH-2025-HB755", "state_code": "OH", "session": "136th General Assembly (2025-2026)", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 755", "title": "Regards portable solar generation devices", "lifecycle": "committee", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-18", "primary_source_url": "https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb755", "status_source_url": "https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb755/status", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "OH-2026-SB383", "state_code": "OH", "session": "136th General Assembly (2025-2026)", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 383", "title": "Regards portable solar generation devices", "lifecycle": "committee", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-25", "primary_source_url": "https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/SB383", "status_source_url": "https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb383/status", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "provisions": [ { "label": "Definition of portable solar generation device", "text": "A moveable photovoltaic electric generation device that has a maximum power output of not more than one thousand two hundred watts, is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard one hundred twenty volt alternating current outlet, is intended primarily to offset part of the customer's electricity consumption, and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or equivalent.", "section_ref": "Sec. 4928.01(44)", "page": 16, "url": "https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/sb383/00_IN/pdf/" }, { "label": "Exemption from interconnection requirements", "text": "A portable solar generation device is exempt from any interconnection requirement and any requirement to enter into an interconnection agreement with an electric utility imposed under Chapter 4928 of the Revised Code.", "section_ref": "Sec. 4928.74", "page": 17, "url": "https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/sb383/00_IN/pdf/" }, { "label": "Utility prohibitions", "text": "No electric utility may require a customer using a portable solar generation device to obtain approval before installing or using it, pay any fee or charge related to it or for feeding small amounts of electricity back to the grid, or install additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device.", "section_ref": "Sec. 4928.741", "page": 17, "url": "https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/sb383/00_IN/pdf/" }, { "label": "Rulemaking", "text": "The Public Utilities Commission shall adopt rules to implement the interconnection exemption and the utility prohibitions.", "section_ref": "Sec. 4928.742", "page": 17, "url": "https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/sb383/00_IN/pdf/" } ] } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "OK": { "code": "OK", "name": "Oklahoma", "region": "southwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Oklahoma has no law addressing balcony solar. House Bill 4060, the Plug-In Solar Power Amendments Act, would have defined qualifying portable solar generation devices and exempted them from state interconnection, net-metering, utility approval and related fee requirements when they meet nationally recognized electrical safety standards. It passed the House but died in the Senate when the Legislature adjourned sine die on May 14, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Proposed plug-in solar pathway without interconnection or net-metering requirements (HB 4060)", "Proposed ban on utility authorization, fees, extra metering, and insurance requirements for qualifying devices", "Proposed nationally recognized electrical safety standard requirement" ], "restrictions": [ "HB 4060 died in the Senate when the session adjourned sine die on May 14, 2026; it is not law", "Qualifying devices must comply with nationally recognized electrical safety standards", "The bill would leave responsibility for safe installation and maintenance with the customer" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Oklahoma HB 4060 bill information", "url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4060&Session=2600", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Oklahoma HB 4060 introduced bill summary", "url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4060%20INT%20BILLSUM.PDF", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "OK-2026-HB4060", "state_code": "OK", "session": "2025-2026 60th Legislature", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 4060", "title": "Plug-In Solar Power Amendments Act", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-05-14", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4060&Session=2600", "status_source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4060&Session=2600", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260407175957id_/http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4060&Session=2600", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "OR": { "code": "OR", "name": "Oregon", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Oregon has no law either authorizing or restricting portable solar. HB 4080 (2026) would have allowed portable solar photovoltaic devices up to 1,200 watts; OLIS shows it still in House committee when the 2026 regular session adjourned sine die on March 6, 2026, so it failed. Note the bill text carries its own 'takes effect July 1, 2026' clause, which is a clause of a measure that never passed. Official OLIS bill-text searches returned machine-checkable results for all seven target phrases, confirming HB 4080 was the only relevant measure. The ORS has no phrase-search endpoint, so an exhaustive existing-law sweep is not available.", "incentives": ["Energy Trust of Oregon incentives for full solar installations"], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required", "HB 4080 died at adjournment on 2026-03-06 - no legal exemption for plug-in devices" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Oregon HB 4080 (2026) - measure document", "url": "https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4080", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "OPB - Oregon lawmakers seek to shine light on balcony solar", "url": "https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/09/oregon-lawmakers-seek-to-shine-light-on-balcony-solar-but-safety-issue-linger/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Oregon", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=OR", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-04", "bills": [ { "id": "OR-2026-HB4080", "state_code": "OR", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 4080", "title": "Relating to portable solar photovoltaic energy devices; prescribing an effective date", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-06", "primary_source_url": "https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4080", "status_source_url": "https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4080", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260415185436/https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4080", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "PA": { "code": "PA", "name": "Pennsylvania", "region": "northeast", "status": "pending", "summary": "Pennsylvania House Bill 1971 would define portable solar generation systems up to 1,200 watts that connect through a standard outlet and exempt qualifying systems from utility interconnection applications and related fees. It was referred to House Energy on October 28, 2025 and remains pending.", "incentives": [ "HB 1971 would exempt qualifying portable solar systems from utility interconnection applications, agreements, inspections, and related fees" ], "restrictions": [ "HB 1971 is pending and has not been enacted", "The proposal limits covered systems to 1,200 watts and excludes net-metering credits" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Pennsylvania HB 1971 - official bill status", "url": "https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Pennsylvania HB 1971 PN 2530 - current bill text", "url": "https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/text/HTM/2025/0/HB1971/PN2530", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "PA-2025-HB1971", "state_code": "PA", "session": "2025-2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 1971", "title": "An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for definitions and providing for portable solar generation systems", "lifecycle": "committee", "lifecycle_date": "2025-10-28", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971", "status_source_url": "https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20251125122249/https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "PR": { "code": "PR", "name": "Puerto Rico", "region": "territories", "status": "none", "summary": "Puerto Rico has no specific statute or administrative rule authorizing plug-in balcony solar generation, and unaccented title searches of the legislature's bill system found no 2025-2026 bill on it. Grid-connected solar falls under the net metering program of Act 114-2007, as amended by Act 17-2019 and Act 10-2024. Act 114 requires installation by a licensed engineer or expert electrician. Registered systems up to 25 kW are interconnected automatically once certified, without an interconnection application. Act 10-2024 provides that the Energy Bureau's net metering study cannot begin before January 2030, and current policy continues during the study. No plug-and-play carve-out exists for standard outlet connection.", "incentives": [ "Credit for each exported kWh under the rate or compensation mechanism the Energy Bureau authorizes (Act 114-2007 \u00a7 5(c))", "Annual settlement at the billing cycle closing in June: the utility purchases 75% of unused excess credit as the Energy Bureau provides, and 25% goes to public school electricity bill credits (Act 114-2007 \u00a7 5(d))", "Sales and use tax (IVU) exemption under Act 1-2011 \u00a7 4030.17, which Act 17-2019 amended to clarify that solar electric equipment for storage is exempt", "Automatic interconnection, with no interconnection application, for registered systems up to 25 kW once certified by a professional engineer or expert electrician who is a member of their professional association, admitted to practice, and a certified photovoltaic or renewable energy system installer (Act 114-2007 \u00a7 9)" ], "restrictions": [ "No plug-in portable solar carve-out; grid-connected systems must meet Act 114 eligibility and interconnection requirements", "Every installation must include an automatic distribution line flow disconnection mechanism in the event of a service interruption (Act 114-2007 \u00a7 3)", "Installations must comply with the environmental, zoning, and use laws and regulations for the site (Act 114-2007 \u00a7 2(h))", "Installation by a licensed engineer or expert electrician who belongs to the professional association and has completed approved continuing education (Act 114-2007 \u00a7 2(e))" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Puerto Rico Office of Legislative Services (OSL)", "url": "https://sutra.oslpr.org/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (NEPR)", "url": "https://energia.pr.gov/", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "RI": { "code": "RI", "name": "Rhode Island", "region": "northeast", "status": "none", "summary": "Rhode Island has no law addressing balcony solar. Its 2026 portable-solar bills, S 2359 and H 7269, would exempt certified devices from interconnection and net-metering requirements. The Senate committee held S 2359 for further study on April 15, 2026. H 7269 passed the House as Substitute A on June 9, 2026 and was referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture, and has had no further action.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": [], "resources": [ { "title": "Rhode Island S 2359 - portable solar generation devices", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2359.htm", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Rhode Island H 7269 Substitute A - text as passed by the House", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7269A.pdf", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "RI-2026-S2359", "state_code": "RI", "session": "2026 January Session", "chamber": "senate", "number": "S 2359", "title": "Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-04-15", "primary_source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2359.htm", "status_source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2359.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" }, { "id": "RI-2026-H7269", "state_code": "RI", "session": "2026 January Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "H 7269", "title": "Portable Solar Generation Devices", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-06-09", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7269A.pdf", "status_source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7269A.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "SC": { "code": "SC", "name": "South Carolina", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "South Carolina has no law addressing balcony solar. H. 4579 would bar homeowners association documents from prohibiting balcony solar panels and bar state and local government restrictions on their installation. It was referred to the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee on January 13, 2026, with no further action. The regular session ended on May 14, 2026, and each house now meets only for matters listed in its sine die resolution.", "incentives": [ "H 4579 would protect balcony solar installation from HOA prohibitions and state or local restrictions" ], "restrictions": [ "H 4579 received no action before the regular session ended on May 14, 2026 and is not law", "The proposal allows reasonable HOA design accommodations" ], "resources": [ { "title": "South Carolina H. 4579 - official bill status and text", "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4579.htm", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "SC-2026-H4579", "state_code": "SC", "session": "126th Session, 2025-2026", "chamber": "house", "number": "H 4579", "title": "Balcony Solar Panels", "lifecycle": "deferred", "lifecycle_date": "2026-01-13", "primary_source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4579.htm", "status_source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4579.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260419023648/https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4579.htm", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "SD": { "code": "SD", "name": "South Dakota", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE South Dakota", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=SD", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "South Dakota 2026 session bill API", "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Bills/Session/71", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "TN": { "code": "TN", "name": "Tennessee", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "No balcony solar legislation on file. Last updated: August 4, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Tennessee", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=TN", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Tennessee General Assembly advanced bill search", "url": "https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillSearch/BillSearchAdvanced", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "TX": { "code": "TX", "name": "Texas", "region": "southwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Texas has no law either authorizing or restricting balcony solar. On 2026-09-04 the Texas Legislature Online Text Search, which covers full bill text, returned zero results for all seven target phrases -- balcony solar, plug-in solar, plug in solar, plug-in photovoltaic, plug in photovoltaic, portable solar and portable photovoltaic -- across the 89th Regular and both Called Sessions, and no bill on the subject has been introduced. Verified 2026-09-04. Texas publishes no official phrase-searchable statute corpus, so an older provision using different wording cannot be excluded; if you know of one, tell us and we will correct the record.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": [], "resources": [ { "title": "Texas Legislature - official bill text search", "url": "https://www.legis.state.tx.us/search/TextSearch.aspx", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Texas Constitution and Statutes", "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-04", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" }, "UT": { "code": "UT", "name": "Utah", "region": "west", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2025-05-07", "summary": "Utah HB 340 (2025 General Session), titled Solar Power Amendments, was signed by the Governor on March 25, 2025 and took effect May 7, 2025. It amends Utah Code 54-15-102 to define a portable solar generation device: a moveable photovoltaic device with a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts, designed to connect through a standard 120-volt AC outlet. It enacts Utah Code 54-15-601, which exempts these devices from utility interconnection requirements and agreements, prior approval, fees and net-metering program requirements.", "incentives": [ "Portable solar devices up to 1,200 W exempt from interconnection requirements (Utah Code 54-15-601)", "Utilities prohibited from requiring prior approval or charging related fees", "Utilities may not mandate additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device", "Electrical corporations are not liable for damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device (Utah Code 54-15-601(3)(b))" ], "restrictions": [ "Maximum 1,200 watt output per device", "Must connect via standard 120-volt AC outlet", "Must include a feature preventing the device from energizing the building during a power outage (anti-islanding)", "Device must meet the most recent National Electrical Code and be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory (Utah Code 54-15-102)" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Utah HB 340 (2025) - Solar Power Amendments (bill page)", "url": "https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0340.html", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Utah Code 54-15-601 as enacted by HB 340 (PDF)", "url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title54/Chapter15/C54-15-S601_2025050720250507.pdf", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Utah", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=UT", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-04-17", "bills": [ { "id": "UT-2025-HB340", "state_code": "UT", "session": "2025 General Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 340", "title": "Solar Power Amendments", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2025-03-25", "effective_date": "2025-05-07", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0340.html", "status_source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0340.html", "last_verified": "2026-07-29", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260728203250id_/https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0340.html", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "standard_120v_outlet", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "exempt", "hoa_renter_rights": "unaddressed" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-07-29" }, "VA": { "code": "VA", "name": "Virginia", "region": "southeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2027-01-01", "summary": "Virginia SB 250 was approved on April 22, 2026 as Acts of Assembly Chapter 998, and its portable-solar provisions take effect January 1, 2027, codified at Va. Code 56-596.8 and 55.1-1212.1. Qualifying small portable solar generation devices, up to 1,200 watts per customer or per residential building unit in multi-family housing, are exempt from interconnection requirements, net metering and utility approval, and utilities may not charge related fees or require extra equipment, though a utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch where a property has more than one device or the circuit requires it. The customer must submit the form established by the Commission, online or by mail, before installation, and the utility has 15 days to respond. The act also has the Secretary of Commerce and Trade convene a work group on safety standards, reporting by November 15, 2026.", "incentives": [ "Up to 1,200 W per customer, or per residential building unit in multi-family housing, exempt from interconnection requirements, net metering, utility approval and fees under Chapter 998", "Utilities may not require prior approval, fees or extra equipment for qualifying devices", "Landlords who own more than four rental dwelling units or more than a 10 percent interest in more than four rental dwelling units may not prohibit a tenant's exterior device, and localities may not prohibit devices on residential structures that meet height, setback and historic-district rules", "Pre-effective-date review of NEC and safety standards by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade" ], "restrictions": [ "Portable-solar provisions do not take effect until January 1, 2027", "Devices must meet the National Electrical Code, be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and stop exporting power during an outage", "Customers must submit the form established by the Commission, online or by mail, before installation; the utility has 15 days to review it and respond, and if it does not, the notice requirement is deemed met and the customer may install", "Output is capped at 1,200 W per customer, or per residential building unit in multi-family housing; devices with 391 W or less of output to the receptacle outlet are exempt from product-listing provisions that would require alterations to the building's premises, wiring or electrical panels", "Where a property has more than one device, or the distribution circuit requires it, the utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch", "The section does not apply to a rental dwelling unit billed under a ratio utility billing system" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Virginia Code section 55.1-1212.1 - small portable solar generation devices (effective January 1, 2027)", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1212.1/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Virginia HB 395 (2026 session) - bill details", "url": "https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB395", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Virginia SB 250 (2026 session) - bill details", "url": "https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB250", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Virginia", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=VA", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-22", "bills": [ { "id": "VA-2026-SB250", "state_code": "VA", "session": "2026", "chamber": "senate", "number": "SB 250", "title": "Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices; Residential Landlord and Tenant Act", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-04-22", "effective_date": "2027-01-01", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "ac_watt_tiers": [ { "watts": 391, "label": "output to the receptacle outlet of 391 W or less: exempt from product-listing provisions that would require premises, wiring or panel alterations" } ], "primary_source_url": "https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB250", "status_source_url": "https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB250/text/CHAP0998", "last_verified": "2026-08-22", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260608200510/https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB250", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "plug_in", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "exempt", "hoa_renter_rights": "unaddressed" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-22" }, "VI": { "code": "VI", "name": "U.S. Virgin Islands", "region": "territories", "status": "none", "summary": "The U.S. Virgin Islands operates an isolated island grid under the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), regulated by the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission (PSC). Distributed generation is governed by 30 V.I.C. \u00a7 52 et seq. and the Net Energy Billing Act (Act No. 7535). WAPA's Net Energy Billing (NEB) program caps customer systems, credits export at 75% of the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) fuel factor, and strictly prohibits unapproved grid feeding. Because the island grid is vulnerable to instability, zero-export or strict anti-islanding compliance is rigorously enforced.", "incentives": [ "Net Energy Billing allows self-consumption and credits excess generation at 75% of LEAC rate", "Customs duty exemptions on qualifying renewable energy equipment under 33 V.I.C. \u00a7 42" ], "restrictions": [ "Mandatory interconnection permit and technical review from WAPA prior to installation", "Grid export limits and feeder saturation caps enforced by WAPA and VI PSC", "Inverters must be UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 compliant with certified anti-islanding; backfeeding during grid outages is strictly prohibited", "Electrical installations must be certified by a licensed Virgin Islands electrician and pass DPNR building inspection", "No plug-and-play or portable solar exemption exists in Virgin Islands law" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Legislature of the Virgin Islands", "url": "https://legvi.org/", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA)", "url": "https://www.viwapa.vi/", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-23", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-06" }, "VT": { "code": "VT", "name": "Vermont", "region": "northeast", "status": "favorable", "effective_date": "2026-07-01", "summary": "Vermont S.202 was signed into law on June 16, 2026 as Act 149 and took effect July 1, 2026. Plug-in photovoltaic devices with a combined inverter capacity of up to 1,200 watts per electric meter are exempt from the section 248 certificate of public good, interconnection agreements and Public Utility Commission jurisdiction, and utilities may not require approval, fees related to installation or extra equipment. Devices may only be connected to systems using smart meters, exported power is not compensated, and a net-metering customer may not also install one. A tenant must give the landlord at least 10 days' notice, and the landlord must respond within 10 days.", "incentives": [ "Up to 1,200 W combined inverter capacity per electric meter, exempt from the section 248 certificate of public good, interconnection agreements and Public Utility Commission jurisdiction under Act 149", "No utility approval, installation-related fee or extra equipment for a compliant device", "Municipal zoning bylaws may not regulate the installation, operation or maintenance of a plug-in device, and deed restrictions or covenants may not prohibit one", "Existing state incentives for full rooftop solar" ], "restrictions": [ "Devices must comply with UL 3700 by UL Solutions, or an equivalent certification by an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, and be installed and operated in compliance with IEEE 1547-2018 and any successor standard", "Devices may only be connected to systems using smart meters; exported power is not compensated, and net-metering customers may not also install one", "Tenants must give the landlord at least 10 days' notice; the landlord must respond within 10 days and may set reasonable restrictions, including requiring the tenant to pay for any required electrical work and hire a licensed electrician; if the landlord does not respond, the tenant may proceed, but may not perform or hire electrical work without the landlord's permission", "Act 149 took effect July 1, 2026" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Vermont S.202 (2026 session) - bill status", "url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.202", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "VPIRG - 29-0 Victory for Portable Solar", "url": "https://www.vpirg.org/news/29-0-victory-for-portable-solar/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Vermont", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=VT", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-04-17", "bills": [ { "id": "VT-2026-S202", "state_code": "VT", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "senate", "number": "S.202", "title": "An act relating to plug-in photovoltaic devices", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-06-16", "effective_date": "2026-07-01", "ac_watt_limit_w": 1200, "primary_source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.202", "status_source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/ACTS/ACT149/ACT149%20As%20Enacted.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-07-29", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260726155230id_/https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.202", "archive_status": "verified", "capacity_limit_w": 1200, "connection_type": "plug_in", "anti_islanding_cert": "UL 1741", "interconnection_fee": "exempt", "net_metering_status": "uncompensated_export", "hoa_renter_rights": "unaddressed" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-07-29" }, "WA": { "code": "WA", "name": "Washington", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Washington HB 2296 passed as Chapter 136 of the 2026 Laws (signed March 23, 2026, effective June 11, 2026), but its balcony-solar provisions did not survive: the House substitute bill had already dropped the 'Addressing Balcony Solar' part, and the enacted chapter, captioned 'Utility investments in energy conservation and efficiency -- rental housing', has no solar, photovoltaic, balcony, or wattage content. A companion bill (SB 6050) carried the identical balcony-solar text but was not enacted. Plug-in balcony solar therefore remains unauthorized-by-specific-statute in Washington; the framework would need to pass in a future bill.", "incentives": [ "No enacted plug-in/balcony solar framework as of 2026-08-22 -- HB 2296's balcony-solar part was stripped before final passage", "Existing sales tax exemption for qualifying solar equipment remains available" ], "restrictions": [ "Standard interconnection and electrical-code requirements apply; no statutory portable-device exemption exists", "Watch status: new legislation required; SB 6050 (companion carrying the same text) was not enacted" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Washington SB 6050 (2025-2026 session) - companion carrying the balcony-solar text", "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6050&Year=2025", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "Washington HB 2296 - as enacted, Chapter 136 Session Laws (PDF)", "url": "https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/2296-S.SL.pdf", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Washington HB 2296 (2025-2026 session) - bill summary", "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2296&Year=2025", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "pv magazine USA - Washington HB 2296 could improve home solar economics, but advocates say recent amendments are cause for concern", "url": "https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/03/03/washingtons-hb-2296-could-improve-home-solar-economics-but-advocates-say-recent-amendments-are-cause-for-concern/", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Washington", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=WA", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-08-22", "bills": [ { "id": "WA-2025-HB2296", "state_code": "WA", "session": "2025-2026", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 2296", "title": "Relating to expanding the use of distributed energy resources; and adding a new section to chapter 80.28 RCW", "lifecycle": "enacted", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-23", "effective_date": "2026-06-11", "primary_source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2296&Year=2025", "status_source_url": "https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/2296-S.SL.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20260324171331id_/https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2025&BillNumber=2296", "archive_status": "verified" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "WI": { "code": "WI", "name": "Wisconsin", "region": "midwest", "status": "none", "summary": "Wisconsin has no law either authorizing or restricting balcony solar. On 2026-09-04 the official Wisconsin Legislature document search, which covers full bill text, returned zero results for all seven target phrases -- balcony solar, plug-in solar, plug in solar, plug-in photovoltaic, plug in photovoltaic, portable solar and portable photovoltaic -- and no bill on the subject has been introduced. Verified 2026-09-04. The same search covers the Wisconsin Statutes, and on 2026-09-25 the seven phrases matched no statute either. A provision using different wording cannot be excluded; if you know of one, tell us and we will correct the record.", "incentives": ["Focus on Energy rebates for qualifying installations"], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE Wisconsin", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=WI", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "Wisconsin Legislature document search", "url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/search/results?filter=biennium:2025", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "WV": { "code": "WV", "name": "West Virginia", "region": "southeast", "status": "none", "summary": "West Virginia has no law addressing balcony solar. HB 5648 (2026), a broader utility bill, would have exempted portable solar generation devices that plug into a standard outlet from interconnection agreements, and barred utilities from requiring approval or charging fees for them. It stayed in the House Energy and Public Works Committee, and the House adjourned sine die on March 14, 2026.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": ["Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required"], "resources": [ { "title": "DSIRE West Virginia", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=WV", "source_class": "secondary" }, { "title": "West Virginia 2026 bill search data", "url": "https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/billsearch_data.cfm?year=2026&sessiontype=RS", "source_class": "primary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-25", "bills": [ { "id": "WV-2026-HB5648", "state_code": "WV", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 5648", "title": "Relating to the regulation and oversight of the provision of electricial power to consumers in this State", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-14", "primary_source_url": "https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5648%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5648", "status_source_url": "https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5648&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-09-25" }, "WY": { "code": "WY", "name": "Wyoming", "region": "west", "status": "none", "summary": "Wyoming has no law either authorizing or restricting plug-in solar. HB 146 (2026) would have regulated small plug-in solar generation devices; the official digest records that it died in committee and was returned under House Rule 5-4 on March 3, 2026. Official Wyoming OData bill searches (api.wyoleg.gov) returned machine-checkable results for all seven balcony, plug-in, portable, solar, and photovoltaic phrases, confirming HB 146 was the only relevant measure. Wyoming publishes no queryable statute corpus, so an exhaustive existing-law sweep is not available.", "incentives": [], "restrictions": [ "Interconnection agreement required", "NEC-compliant installation required", "HB 146 died in committee in the 2026 session - no plug-in solar exemption" ], "resources": [ { "title": "Wyoming HB 146 (2026) - official bill digest", "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/2026/Digest/HB0146.pdf", "source_class": "primary" }, { "title": "DSIRE Wyoming", "url": "https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=WY", "source_class": "secondary" } ], "last_updated": "2026-09-04", "bills": [ { "id": "WY-2026-HB146", "state_code": "WY", "session": "2026 Regular Session", "chamber": "house", "number": "HB 146", "title": "Affordable electricity act of 2026", "lifecycle": "failed", "lifecycle_date": "2026-03-03", "primary_source_url": "https://www.wyoleg.gov/2026/Introduced/HB0146.pdf", "status_source_url": "https://wyoleg.gov/2026/Digest/HB0146.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-08-04", "archive_status": "unavailable" } ], "watch_last_verified": "2026-08-04" } } }