The legal landscape for plug-and-play solar is changing fast. We track every state bill so renters and homeowners don't have to. Green means go — yellow means watch this space.
| State | Status | Wattage Limit | Details | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Utah |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | First US state to pass plug-in solar legislation. No utility interconnection agreement required, no fees. True plug-and-play balcony solar within the wattage limit. | May 2025 |
Virginia |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | Signed April 2026. Notable: landlords in buildings with 4+ units are prohibited from banning balcony solar installations. Strong renter protections. | July 2026 |
Maine |
✅ Law Passed | 1,200W | Signed April 2026. Requires a licensed electrician for installation — so not fully DIY plug-and-play. Still a meaningful step forward for solar for renters. | July 2026 |
Colorado |
🧡 Senate Pending | 1,920W | Passed the House 48–16, with the highest proposed wattage limit in any US bill (60% higher than Utah's). Senate vote pending as of May 2026. | TBD |
California |
🧡 Committee Passed | 1,200W | Passed Senate Energy Committee unanimously (12–0) in March 2026. Full Senate and Assembly votes pending. A California pass would be a massive catalyst given the state's size and solar culture. | TBD |
Illinois |
🔵 Introduced | TBD | Introduced March 2026. Has not moved to committee as of May 2026. Early days — worth watching if you're in Illinois. | TBD |
Oregon 2026 Session |
❌ Failed | — | Bill did not advance in the 2026 legislative session. Oregon remains in the gray area — no explicit permission or prohibition. | — |
Wyoming 2026 Session |
❌ Failed | — | Voted down February 2026. Utility opposition was a factor. No timeline for re-introduction. | — |
All Other States 43 states |
⬜ Gray Area | — | No state law specifically addresses plug-in or balcony solar. Your situation depends on your utility's interconnection rules. Review your utility's requirements for small generating facilities before installing. | — |
The majority of US states have not yet passed legislation specifically addressing plug-in or balcony solar. Without a state law, the relevant rules are your utility's own interconnection requirements — and these vary significantly by utility. We strongly recommend contacting your utility or reviewing their interconnection tariff before installing any system. This site provides general information only and is not a substitute for reviewing the rules that apply to your specific address. When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician or attorney familiar with your state's regulations.
We follow every state bill and update this page as things change. Join the newsletter for law updates, product news, and honest takes on the market.