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.
Latest Action: March 19, 2026
Balcony Solar in Michigan
Balcony solar bill pending
Verified as of September 25, 2026
Everything you need to know about plug-in balcony solar in Michigan: legal status, tracked bills, statutory wattage limits, utility interconnection rules, and expected monthly solar production.
Legislation Summary
- Status
- Balcony solar bill pending
- Wattage allowed
- Not yet verified
- Wattage tiers
- Not yet verified
- HOA / Condo Protections
- Not yet verified
- Plug-in Battery Storage
- Not yet verified
- Renters & Tenant Rights
- Not yet verified
- Permit & Electrician DIY Status
- Not yet verified
- Utility Interconnection
- Not yet verified
- Bill
- HB 5764 - 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.
- Date passed
- Not yet verified
- Date effective
- Not yet verified
Legal Status: Can You Plug In Solar in Michigan?
Current Disposition: Balcony solar bill pending
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.
Tracked Legislation in Michigan
Estimated Solar Energy Production in Michigan
How much electricity will a standard plug-in solar kit produce on a balcony or patio in Michigan? Below are monthly estimates based on local insolation levels:
Standard 400W Kit
~526 kWh
Estimated annual electricity production
Dual-Panel 800W Kit
~1049 kWh
Estimated annual electricity production
| Month | Daily Peak Sun Hours | 400W Kit (1 Panel) | 800W Kit (2 Panels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.5 hrs | 27 kWh | 53 kWh |
| Feb | 3.6 hrs | 35 kWh | 69 kWh |
| Mar | 4.5 hrs | 48 kWh | 96 kWh |
| Apr | 5.0 hrs | 52 kWh | 103 kWh |
| May | 5.4 hrs | 58 kWh | 115 kWh |
| Jun | 5.6 hrs | 58 kWh | 116 kWh |
| Jul | 5.7 hrs | 61 kWh | 122 kWh |
| Aug | 5.3 hrs | 57 kWh | 113 kWh |
| Sep | 4.6 hrs | 47 kWh | 95 kWh |
| Oct | 3.6 hrs | 38 kWh | 77 kWh |
| Nov | 2.3 hrs | 24 kWh | 47 kWh |
| Dec | 2.0 hrs | 21 kWh | 43 kWh |
| Annual Total | -- | ~526 kWh | ~1049 kWh |
Estimates derived from historical National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL NSRDB) solar radiation averages across weather stations in Michigan, modeling an 86% system performance ratio.
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Open Solar Savings Simulator for Michigan →Local Solar Permitting Streamlining in Michigan
While balcony solar kits are designed for plug-in operation, municipal permitting processes indicate solar-friendly administrative environments:
0
SolarAPP+ Jurisdictions
Municipalities with automated, instant online rooftop & storage permits.
9
SolSmart Communities
Cities and counties recognized for removing red tape and barriers to solar growth.
Incentives, Solar Rights & Grid Barriers
State Incentives & Solar Rights
- 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
Utility Barriers & Interconnection Rules
- 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