As of July 2026, eight states have signed plug-in solar into law. Two more states have had legislation pass both chambers, and the bills are now sitting on the governor’s desk waiting to be signed.
In today’s episode, we’ll go over where every state stands today.
Quick refresher before we get into the state-by-state list: plug-in solar kits are small systems that don’t require approval.
You mount a few panels wherever the sun hits your property, plug your inverter into a standard 120-volt outlet, and power flows into your home and lowers your bill. No permits required.
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All eight cap systems at 1,200 watts per meter, except Colorado. Every one bars utilities from charging fees or demanding prior approval.
Utah (HB 340): The pioneer. Signed in 2025 and still the model everyone copies.
Virginia (HB 395 / SB 250): Signed April 22, 2026. Allows up to three systems per meter and blocks landlords from banning them.
Maine (LD 1730): Signed April 6, 2026. Systems under 420 watts need no electrician; larger ones do.
Colorado (HB26-1007): Signed May 7, 2026. The national high-water mark at 1,920 watts, and it voids HOA rules that stand in the way.
Maryland (HB 1532): Signed May 12, 2026. Exempts systems under 391 watts from UL certification.
New Hampshire (SB 540): Signed May 28, 2026. Takes effect July 27, 2026.
Connecticut (HB 5340): Signed June 4, 2026. Takes effect October 1, 2026.
Vermont (S. 202): Signed June 16, 2026. The eighth state, effective July 1, 2026.
Both bills passed unanimously.
New Jersey (S 2368 / A 4836): The Garden State Balcony Solar Act cleared both chambers on June 30 with zero no votes. It also protects renters from landlord and HOA bans. It now sits on Governor Sherrill’s desk.
New York (S 8512 / A 9111): The SUNNY Act passed both chambers and awaits Governor Hochul, who has until year’s end to decide.
Passed one chamber:
California (SB 868 cleared the Senate 35-1)
Massachusetts (H5175 passed the House 128-27).
Both states are racing session deadlines this summer.
Still in committee:
Pennsylvania (HB 1971)
Ohio (HB 755)
Michigan (HB 5764)
North Carolina (HB 1129 / SB 957)
South Carolina (H 4579)
Delaware (SB 270, notable for a lower 800-watt cap)
Washington, D.C. (B26-0602).
These didn’t pass, but sponsors expect to bring them back. Bright Saver files them under “deferred until 2027.”
Alaska
Arizona
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Minnesota
Missouri
Oklahoma
Rhode Island.
Oklahoma came closest. Its House passed HB 4060 by 88-4 before the bill stalled in the Senate.
Washington (HB 2296): The plug-in language was stripped out before a larger bill passed.
Oregon (HB 4080): Died in committee in a short session with no carry-over.
New Mexico (SB 157): Postponed indefinitely in January.
Wyoming (Affordable Electricity Act): Failed in committee after testimony came almost entirely from utilities.
Georgia (HB 1304): Held without a vote amid heavy pushback from Georgia Power and the state’s electric co-ops.
In nearly every case, opponents made the same two arguments: they couldn’t be sure the kits were safe, and solar users wouldn’t pay their fair share for grid upkeep.
Once we start seeing these roll out and have a bit more evidence, it will be much easier to overcome these arguments
No bill has been introduced in:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
North Dakota
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
West Virginia
Wisconsin.
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