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Colorado

⏳ Enacted — effective Oct 1, 2026

Plug-In Solar Legal Guide

HB 26-1007 signed by Gov. Polis on May 7, 2026. Consumer provisions effective October 1, 2026. Highest watt cap in the US at 1,920W. Two-tier: under 395W self-install, no permit; 395W–1,920W requires licensed electrician and dedicated circuit. Colorado is the only state so far where plug-in solar devices can participate in net metering (full retail rate credit for excess production). Utilities must accept meter collar adapters, eliminating costly panel upgrade requirements. PUC must update interconnection rules by December 31, 2026.

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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Payback Calculator

Pre-filled with Colorado's average rate ($0.140/kWh) and 5.5 daily peak sun hours. Adjust sliders to match your situation.

Best-fit kits for Colorado

sorted by your payback period
8yr payback~$2,391 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter. Fits Maine's 600W cap and now Virginia and Maryland's 1,200W caps.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$66/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
8yr payback~$4,945 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking. Under all 1,200W+ caps.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$121/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
8yr payback~$4,842 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$125/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 5.5h/day (Colorado avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1920W
60%
30%100%
$0.140/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
819 kWh
68 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$115
$10/mo
Payback Period
9 yrs
by year 9
25-Year Savings
$5,841
net $4,641
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Year-by-year table
YearkWh UsedRateSavingsCumulative
1819$0.140$115$115
2815$0.148$121$236
3811$0.157$128$363
4807$0.167$135$498
5803$0.177$142$640
6799$0.187$150$789
7795$0.199$158$947
8791$0.211$166$1,114
9Paid off787$0.223$176$1,289
10783$0.237$185$1,474
11779$0.251$195$1,670
12775$0.266$206$1,876
13771$0.282$217$2,093
14767$0.299$229$2,322
15764$0.317$242$2,564
16760$0.336$255$2,819
17756$0.356$269$3,087
18752$0.377$284$3,371
19748$0.400$299$3,670
20745$0.424$315$3,986
21741$0.449$333$4,318
22737$0.476$351$4,669
23734$0.504$370$5,039
24730$0.535$390$5,429
25726$0.567$412$5,841
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Law Summary

HB 26-1007HB 26-1007 Full Text (leg.colorado.gov)

Last verified May 31, 2026·Colorado General Assembly — HB 26-1007

Signed
May 2026
Effective
Oct 2026
Max size
1920W AC
Rate/kWh
$0.140
Sun hrs
5.5h/day
Utility
Xcel Energy
No permitNo utility approvalNet metering eligibleFederal ITC eligible

Verify with your state utility commission before installing. FAQ →

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 6.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 34% over the past 5 years
From $0.105/kWh in 2021 → $0.140/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
6.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.105
2021
$0.111
2022
$0.118
2023
$0.125
2024
$0.132
2025
$0.140
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.449/kWh
at 6.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$2,350
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

HOA & Landlord Rules

The #1 real-world blocker for renters & condo owners
Can my HOA block it?
✓ HOA cannot block installation
Protected under: C.R.S. § 38-35-2 + HB 26-1007

Colorado's existing solar rights law (C.R.S. § 38-35-2) already barred HOAs from prohibiting solar. HB 26-1007 extends protections specifically to plug-in devices.

Can my landlord block it?
◎ State law unclear on this

Landlord restrictions not explicitly addressed in HB 26-1007. Check your lease.

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Practical tip for Colorado renters and condo owners: Because plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet — it is in a different legal category from rooftop solar. Many HOAs and landlords have not specifically addressed it in their rules. Ask in writing before assuming either yes or no.
Primary source

Utility: Xcel Energy Colorado / Black Hills Energy

Net metering
✗ Not available
Interconnection
✓ Not required
Stance
Neutral stance

Colorado utilities — including Xcel Energy, Black Hills, and co-ops — cannot require customer approval, charge fees, or mandate interconnection for qualifying devices. Utilities must accept meter collars to facilitate connection. Zero-export design required.

Xcel Energy Colorado / Black Hills Energy rate & tariff info

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Colorado's plug-in solar law take effect?
October 1, 2026. Gov. Polis signed HB 26-1007 on May 7, 2026.
What's the watt cap in Colorado?
1,920 watts — the highest of any US state. Systems under 395W require no permit or professional installation. Systems 395W–1,920W require a licensed electrician and dedicated circuit.
Does Colorado have net metering for plug-in solar?
Yes — uniquely among US states, Colorado allows plug-in solar devices to participate in net metering. Excess power you generate can be credited at the full retail rate.
What is a meter collar and why does it matter?
A meter collar is an adapter that fits between your utility meter and the meter socket, allowing plug-in solar to connect at the meter without a panel upgrade. Colorado utilities must accept these, potentially saving customers $2,000–$5,000 in panel upgrade costs.
Do HOAs have to allow plug-in solar in Colorado?
Yes. HOAs, condo associations, and planned community governing documents cannot prohibit plug-in solar devices on balconies, patios, or porches.
Electrical Safety WarningPlug-in solar systems involve electrical connections that can cause fire, shock, or property damage if installed incorrectly. Only use UL-listed equipment. Do not modify wiring, exceed outlet amperage ratings, or bypass any safety device. Consult a licensed electrician when in doubt. This site does not provide installation advice.