Plug-In Solar FAQ

Alabama's 2014 Solar Rights Act discourages outright bans on solar installations but allows HOAs to impose 'reasonable restrictions,' and there's no dedicated law for plug-in or portable solar devices. Many HOAs can still restrict visible equipment through their covenants, so check your CC&Rs and get approval in writing before installing.

No. As of mid-2026, Alabama has not introduced or passed plug-in solar legislation like the laws enacted in Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and Maryland. There is currently no enacted or pending bill addressing small (under 1,500W) plug-in solar devices in Alabama.

Alabama Power does not offer retail net metering. Excess generation is bought back at avoided-cost rates under Rate PAE, typically around 3-5 cents per kWh, far below the retail rate, and solar customers pay an additional monthly fee.

Technically, Alabama Power's interconnection requirements apply to any parallel-generation equipment connected to the grid, regardless of size, since there's no small-system exemption in state law. Renters and homeowners should check with Alabama Power directly, as enforcement for very small (sub-1,500W) plug-in devices is not clearly defined.

No. Alaska is one of the states without any solar access or solar easement law, so HOAs can generally restrict or prohibit solar installations, including small plug-in devices, through their covenants and bylaws.

Not yet. As of mid-2026, Alaska has not introduced plug-in solar legislation comparable to laws passed in Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, or Maryland, so small (under 1,500W) plug-in devices fall into a regulatory gray area.

Major Railbelt utilities like Chugach Electric and GVEA are required by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to offer net metering for qualifying residential solar systems, crediting excess generation, though buyback terms and program details vary by utility.

Yes, utilities like Chugach Electric and GVEA have formal interconnection processes for grid-tied generation. There is no specific small-system or plug-in exemption under current Alaska regulations, so any device feeding power back to the grid is technically subject to these rules.

No. Arizona's Solar Rights Act (A.R.S. § 33-1816) prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy devices outright. HOAs can only impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions that don't cut efficiency by more than 10% or add over $1,000 in cost.

Not specifically. A.R.S. § 33-1816 was written with rooftop and ground-mount systems in mind. A 2026 plug-in solar bill in Arizona reportedly failed to pass, so small (under 1,500W) plug-in devices aren't yet addressed by a dedicated statute.

No. APS moved to net billing in 2023, currently crediting exports around 6.1 cents/kWh, and SRP retired its net-metering plans in November 2025 in favor of net-billing time-of-use rate plans. Both are below retail electricity rates.

Both utilities require formal interconnection applications for grid-connected generation equipment, and there's currently no specific small-system exemption for sub-1,500W plug-in devices under Arizona utility rules.

Arkansas has no comprehensive statewide solar access law, so HOAs can restrict or prohibit visible solar equipment, including small plug-in devices, through their CC&Rs. Always check your association's governing documents first.

No. As of mid-2026, Arkansas has not introduced legislation specifically addressing plug-in or balcony solar devices under 1,500W, unlike states such as Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and Maryland.

It depends on when your system was interconnected. Systems grandfathered under the Legacy Net-Metering Schedule (interconnected by September 30, 2024) receive roughly 10 cents/kWh in credit, while newer systems fall under the Non-Legacy Net-Energy-Billing schedule at around 4 cents/kWh, per Arkansas's 2023 net-energy-billing law.

Entergy Arkansas's interconnection process applies to grid-connected generating equipment generally, and there's no specific exemption for very small (sub-1,500W) plug-in solar devices under current Arkansas rules.

No. The Solar Rights Act prohibits HOAs from banning solar systems outright and from rejecting them for aesthetic reasons alone. HOAs can only impose reasonable placement restrictions that don't significantly raise costs or reduce efficiency, and must respond to applications within 45 days.

Not explicitly yet. The Act was written with rooftop systems in mind. SB 868, currently pending in the Assembly, would create specific rules for plug-in devices up to 1,200W, exempting them from utility interconnection approval and fees.

NEM 3.0 governs grid-tied systems that formally interconnect and export power, with reduced export credit values. A small plug-in device that simply offsets your own household usage rather than exporting to the grid generally wouldn't need to participate in NEM at all, which is part of the rationale behind SB 868.

There's no law explicitly banning small UL-listed plug-in solar devices used safely indoors or for direct appliance charging, but using one connected to household wiring without utility interconnection approval exists in a legal gray area. SB 868 aims to resolve this ambiguity by creating an explicit legal pathway.

October 1, 2026. Gov. Polis signed HB 26-1007 on May 7, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. HOAs, condo associations, and planned community governing documents cannot prohibit plug-in solar devices on balconies, patios, or porches.

Yes. Gov. Ned Lamont signed HB 5340, a 2026 omnibus solar bill, on June 4, 2026. It legalizes one plug-in 'balcony' solar device per household up to 1,200W statewide with no utility approval required, effective October 1, 2026.

No, not outright. Connecticut's 2023 solar access law (part of Clean Air Act amendments) prevents HOAs from banning solar installations outright on detached single-family homes, though HOAs may set reasonable rules on size and placement and must act on applications within statutory deadlines.

No. Under HB 5340's plug-in provisions, devices up to 1,200W per household are explicitly exempt from utility interconnection agreements, approval processes, and added fees, effective October 1, 2026.

No. Plug-in devices under HB 5340 are designed to operate outside the formal net metering and interconnection system entirely - they offset your own usage rather than exporting power for credit, which is why no utility approval would be needed.

No. Delaware House Bill 65 (2019) prohibits homeowner associations from restricting the installation of roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar panels on private residences.

No. Delaware's HB 65 and net metering rules were written for conventional solar installations and do not specifically address small plug-in devices. Several other states (Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut) have passed plug-in solar laws, but Delaware has not yet introduced comparable legislation.

Yes, net metering is available for residential systems up to 25kW, with excess production credited in kilowatt-hours. A 2025 PSC update revised system size limits and interconnection procedures, and an ongoing cost-benefit study (from SJR 1) may affect future policy.

Under current rules, any device that interconnects with household wiring would generally fall under Delmarva's standard interconnection requirements, since Delaware has no plug-in-solar-specific exemption yet.

No, not outright. D.C. Code § 8-1774.51 limits the authority of HOAs, condo associations, and housing cooperatives to prohibit solar energy devices, though owners must still go through the association's approval process and may face reasonable placement requirements.

The statute was written broadly for 'solar energy collection devices' but is generally applied to conventional rooftop systems; no DC-specific guidance or legislation currently addresses small plug-in/balcony devices separately.

Yes, under current DC rules (Title 15 DCMR Chapter 40), any grid-tied generating device, regardless of size, is generally subject to Pepco's Small Generator Interconnection Rules and requires an application and approval.

No plug-in-solar-specific bill has been identified in the District as of mid-2026, even as several US states (Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut) have enacted or advanced plug-in solar laws.

As of June 2026, Florida has no law specifically authorizing or banning small plug-in/balcony solar devices. FPL's standard rules require an interconnection agreement for any grid-tied system, which creates uncertainty for plug-in devices that simply plug into a wall outlet.

No, generally not for rooftop solar. The Florida Solar Rights Act (Fla. Stat. 163.04) prevents HOAs and deed restrictions from banning solar collectors, though they can set reasonable placement rules. It's unclear whether this extends to plug-in balcony devices.

Yes. FPL provides full retail-rate net metering with monthly credit rollover and an annual true-up, but it requires an interconnection application and agreement before any system is energized.

Florida, the 'Sunshine State,' has abundant solar resources and ranks among the top states for solar installations, making rooftop and emerging plug-in solar both technically attractive.

Florida is considered a 'holdout' state with no active plug-in solar legislation as of June 2026, unlike states such as Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, and Connecticut which have enacted plug-in solar laws.

As of June 2026, Georgia has no enacted plug-in/balcony solar law. HB 1304, which would have exempted portable plug-in solar from rooftop regulations, was sidelined in committee in February 2026 and is expected to be reintroduced in 2027.

Georgia has no dedicated HOA solar access statute. HOAs generally cannot ban solar outright but can impose reasonable rules on placement and appearance; enforcement of homeowner rights often requires civil litigation.

No. Georgia Power uses a Solar Buy Back program instead of traditional net metering, crediting excess solar generation at utility-determined rates for residential systems up to 10 kW.

House Bill 1304, introduced by Rep. Imani Barnes in 2026, would have exempted small plug-in solar devices from rooftop solar regulatory requirements, but the committee chair declined to call a vote, effectively stalling the bill for the session.

Georgia has strong solar resources and a growing solar industry, particularly in the metro Atlanta area, making it a candidate for future plug-in solar adoption if regulatory barriers are addressed.

As of June 2026, no plug-in/balcony solar law has been enacted in Hawaii, but the legislature has held hearings on bills like HB2435 (the Portable Plug-in Solar Generation Act) that would legalize and protect the right to use them. Currently, Hawaiian Electric's rules technically require an interconnection agreement even for small plug-in devices.

Under existing law (HRS 196-7), HOAs cannot ban solar energy devices on owned single-family homes or townhouses, though they can set placement rules. For renters and condo balconies, the picture is murkier; pending bills like HB2435 would explicitly stop landlords and HOAs from imposing blanket bans on portable plug-in solar.

Traditional net metering closed to new customers in 2015 and is being phased out further. New small systems instead use tariffs like CGS Plus or Smart Export, which pay variable, time-of-day rates for excess generation rather than full retail credit.

Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the United States, so even small plug-in solar systems can produce meaningful savings, and many residents live in condos or rentals without access to rooftop solar.

HB2435 and a 2026 bill introduced by Rep. Mike Lee, backed by groups like Carbon Cashback Hawaii, propose protecting renters' and condo owners' rights to use portable plug-in solar on balconies and lanais. As of June 2026 these remain pending rather than enacted law.

As of June 2026, Idaho has no enacted plug-in/balcony solar law. House Bill 612, introduced in the 2026 session, did not pass after opponents raised fire-risk and interconnection concerns, leaving the legal status of small plug-in devices unaddressed.

No, not entirely. Idaho Code 55-3208 prohibits HOAs from banning rooftop solar panels, though they can require specific placement (within 45 degrees of due south) and adopt other reasonable rules. The law does not specifically address portable plug-in balcony devices.

No. Idaho Power ended traditional net metering in 2024 and moved to a net-billing system with export rates cut to around 2.46 cents/kWh in 2025, significantly reducing the value of exporting excess solar power to the grid.

House Bill 612, Idaho's 2026 plug-in solar bill, failed to pass amid opposition citing fire risks and technical interconnection concerns. Sponsors are expected to regroup for the 2027 session.

Because Idaho Power's export rates for excess solar are now very low, devices that primarily offset a household's own electricity use (rather than exporting to the grid) retain more of their value, making behind-the-meter plug-in solar comparatively appealing despite the net-metering cuts.

No. The Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act (765 ILCS 165) prohibits HOAs, condo associations, and deed restrictions from banning solar energy systems outright. The association can regulate placement, but restrictions cannot cut a system's production by more than 10%.

Not directly. The 765 ILCS 165 protections focus on HOA/association rules for property owners, not landlord-tenant relationships. As of mid-2026, landlords can still restrict balcony or plug-in solar devices, since proposed legislation that would have limited such restrictions did not become law.

There's no law specifically banning small plug-in solar devices, but there's also no specific exemption from standard utility interconnection rules. A 2025-2026 bill (the Plug-In Illinois Act) that would have exempted units up to 1200W from interconnection requirements stalled after opposition, so legal clarity is still pending.

Since January 1, 2025, new solar customers are on 'Smart Solar Billing,' a supply-only net metering structure that credits excess exported electricity at a lower rate than the old full retail-rate net metering. ComEd customers also receive a one-time Distributed Generation rebate of $300 per kW to help offset the change.

Under current rules, any grid-connected generation device generally needs to go through Ameren Illinois or ComEd's Distributed Generation Interconnection process and receive a Certificate of Completion under Illinois Administrative Code Title 83 Part 466. Proposed legislation to waive this for very small plug-in units has not yet passed.

Indiana's HEA 1196 (2022) limits HOAs from imposing outright bans on solar energy systems, but allows restrictions for about 10 specific reasons and doesn't clearly cover small plug-in devices that aren't permanently installed. Condo associations that own/maintain exteriors are largely exempt from the law. Check your HOA's covenants and consider requesting written approval before installing.

No. As of 2022, Indiana's major investor-owned utilities (Duke Energy, AES Indiana, NIPSCO, Indiana Michigan Power, CenterPoint) stopped accepting new net metering customers. New solar users are placed on the Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) program, which pays a much lower wholesale-based rate for exported electricity. Systems installed before the phase-out are grandfathered into net metering for a set period.

Technically, any device that exports electricity to the grid is subject to Indiana's interconnection rules, which can require an application, equipment, and fees -- even for small units. A 2026 bill that would have exempted compliant plug-in solar units from these requirements died in committee, so no formal exemption currently exists.

Yes. Indiana has no law giving renters a right to install solar devices. Landlords can restrict or prohibit balcony solar setups through lease terms, and tenants should get written permission before attaching any equipment to balconies or exterior structures.

A bill introduced in the 2026 legislative session would have exempted small plug-in home solar units from Indiana's distributed generation rules and barred utilities from requiring approval, fees, or extra equipment for compliant units. The bill died in committee, but advocates are expected to push similar legislation again in future sessions.

Likely yes. Iowa Code Chapter 564A provides for voluntary solar easements and limits new-subdivision covenants, but it does not generally prevent existing HOAs from prohibiting solar devices, including portable plug-in units, on units or balconies.

Not yet as of mid-2026. A bill in the Iowa legislature would define and protect 'portable solar generation devices' up to 1,200 watts and exempt them from utility interconnection and net-metering approval, but it has not been signed into law.

Under current rules, grid-tied generation typically requires an interconnection application with MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy. If pending legislation becomes law, small portable solar devices (under 1,200W) would be exempt from this requirement, but until then, check with your utility.

Both MidAmerican and Alliant Energy offer net metering programs for distributed generation, but these are designed for permanently interconnected systems. Small plug-in devices that simply offset household load typically don't need to enroll in net metering at all.

Yes. Iowa has no tenant-protection law specific to solar devices, so landlords can generally prohibit installation of plug-in or balcony solar panels under standard lease terms.

No. As of July 1, 2024, Kansas law voids any restrictive covenant provision that limits or prohibits installing solar panels on the rooftop of a residential property. HOAs can still adopt reasonable rules about placement and appearance, but cannot ban rooftop solar outright.

It's unclear. The Kansas law is written around rooftop solar panel installations and does not explicitly address balcony railing-mounted or plug-in solar devices, so HOAs may still have leeway to restrict these smaller setups under their general rules.

Yes. Kansas has no tenant solar-access law, so landlords can prohibit balcony or plug-in solar devices through lease terms or building rules, just as they could prohibit any other exterior modification.

Evergy's net metering and interconnection rules, recently updated under HB 2527, technically apply to any grid-tied generating device. While enforcement for very small (under 1500W) plug-in systems isn't clearly spelled out, formally interconnecting may involve a $100 application fee and approval process.

Not yet. As of mid-2026, Kansas has no dedicated plug-in/balcony solar legislation, unlike some other states. Kansas's only relevant solar law addresses rooftop panels and HOA covenants.

There's no law explicitly banning small plug-in solar devices, but there's also no law authorizing them either. Kentucky utilities require a signed interconnection agreement for any grid-tied generation, with no exemption for devices under 1500W, leaving plug-in solar in a legal gray area.

Yes, in most of Kentucky HOAs can restrict or deny solar installations because the state has no Solar Rights Act. Only Louisville has a local ordinance limiting HOA solar bans. Outside Louisville, HOA covenants generally control.

Yes, LG&E and KU offer full retail-rate net metering under their NMS-2 tariff, with excess generation credited at the full retail rate and rolled forward. Kentucky Power also offers net metering through a tiered interconnection application process.

Kentucky ranks 38th nationally for installed solar capacity (~866 MW), supplying less than 1% of the state's electricity, reflecting both modest policy support and historic reliance on coal.

No. Kentucky is considered a 'holdout' state with no plug-in or balcony solar legislation introduced as of mid-2026. Advocacy groups have not reported any active push in the legislature.

Plug-in solar isn't specifically prohibited, but it also isn't specifically authorized. Entergy's interconnection standards apply to all grid-tied distributed generation with no exemption for small devices under 1500W, so a strict reading would require an interconnection application even for a balcony panel.

Generally no -- Louisiana's Solar Rights Act (La. R.S. 9:1255) prohibits HOAs and others from unreasonably restricting solar installations, with exceptions for reasonable aesthetic rules and historic districts. However, this law predates plug-in/balcony devices and hasn't been tested for them.

Yes, for residential systems up to 25kW, but the program hit its statewide 0.5% cap years ago. New systems may receive lower (avoided-cost) compensation for excess generation rather than full retail credit.

Louisiana has strong solar resources with over 100 clear days a year and top-20 peak sun hours nationally. It has about 1,765 MW installed (ranked 32nd), with rapid growth projected due to data-center-driven solar projects.

No specific bill has been introduced. Louisiana is classified as a 'holdout' state with no active plug-in or balcony solar legislation as of mid-2026.

~July 15, 2026 (90 days after the legislature adjourns). Gov. Mills signed LD 1730 on April 6, 2026.

1,200 watts. Systems under 420W can be self-installed with no utility notification. Systems 420W–1,200W require a licensed electrician and utility notification within 30 days of installation (no prior approval needed).

Only if your system is over 420W. You must notify your utility within 30 days of installation, but you do not need prior approval and no fee can be charged.

Tenants can install without explicit landlord permission under LD 1730, but you must not damage the property and must remove it when you leave. HOA rules are not explicitly overridden — check your HOA documents.

No. Plug-in solar under LD 1730 is zero-export / self-consumption only. Your system offsets what you use in real time, but excess power is not credited to your bill.

Yes — as of May 12, 2026. HB 1532 included an emergency clause and took effect the day Gov. Moore signed it.

1,200 watts. The system must be UL certified, plug into a standard outlet, and be limited to one device per residential meter.

Yes. All Maryland utilities are barred from requiring approval, charging fees, or mandating interconnection for qualifying devices.

Maryland has one of the highest residential electricity rates in the country (~$0.19/kWh). An 800W system generating ~3 kWh/day saves roughly $200/year — one of the best payback profiles in the US.

Yes. Landlords cannot prohibit qualifying plug-in solar devices. Maryland's law covers the full state including Baltimore City, the DC suburbs (Montgomery, PG County), and the Eastern Shore.

Not yet specifically authorized. A 2025-2026 omnibus climate bill includes balcony solar provisions similar to laws already enacted in Connecticut and Maine, but it remains pending in committee. Until something passes, plug-in solar exists in a regulatory gray area.

No, not outright. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 184 Sec. 23C voids HOA and condo covenants that forbid or unreasonably restrict solar installations, though reasonable aesthetic rules are allowed. A pending bill (H3996) would strengthen this further.

Yes, Eversource and National Grid both offer near-retail net metering for systems up to 10kW, with no interconnection fees for small UL-listed systems -- a relatively favorable setup for small-scale solar.

Massachusetts has an estimated 92GW of technical distributed-solar potential, nearly four times the state's projected 24GW peak electricity demand by 2050, indicating substantial room for growth.

It's plausible. Massachusetts is part of a New England wave of balcony solar bills (alongside CT, ME, RI, VT), and CT and ME have already enacted similar laws, putting pressure on Massachusetts lawmakers to follow.

Not yet formally authorized. A bill introduced in March 2026 (HB 5764) would allow balcony solar systems up to 1,200W without requiring a formal interconnection agreement, but it has not been enacted, so plug-in solar remains in a gray area under current DG interconnection rules.

No. Michigan's Homeowners' Energy Policy Act (effective April 1, 2025) voids HOA and condo bylaws that prohibit solar installations, requiring associations to adopt written solar policies by April 1, 2026. Denial is allowed only in narrow circumstances determined by a court.

No, traditional net metering was phased out. DTE and Consumers Energy now use a Distributed Generation tariff (Rider 18) under Public Act 235, which generally credits exported solar energy at a lower rate than retail, though project caps were raised to 550kW in 2025.

Michigan has moderate solar resources (Detroit averages about 4.0 peak sun hours per day) and roughly 1,444 MW installed as of 2023, with continued utility-scale growth such as Consumers Energy's Muskegon Solar project beginning operations in January 2026.

Possibly. HB 5764, introduced in March 2026, would specifically legalize plug-in balcony solar up to 1,200W without interconnection agreements, but as of mid-2026 it remains an introduced bill that has not passed.

Not specifically authorized yet. Minnesota law doesn't have a carve-out exempting small plug-in/balcony solar devices from standard interconnection and net metering rules, so technically any grid-tied device -- regardless of wattage -- falls under Xcel Energy's normal Level 1 interconnection process. A bill (HF3555/SF3873) to create a specific exemption for UL-certified plug-in solar was introduced in the 2025-2026 session but remains pending.

Generally no for homeowners. Minn. Stat. § 500.216 (effective 2023) prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy systems outright on single-family homes and certain owner-occupied multi-family properties, though they can impose reasonable placement rules within defined limits. This law wasn't written with plug-in/balcony devices specifically in mind, and renters in typical association-maintained buildings aren't clearly covered.

Yes. Xcel Energy provides net metering for systems up to 120% of a customer's annual electricity usage, with most residential installs falling under the simplified 'Level 1' (<10kW) interconnection tier -- though this still requires an application, inspection, and bidirectional meter.

Minnesota's solar potential is better than many people expect -- long summer daylight hours and cool temperatures (which improve panel efficiency) help offset its northern latitude, making rooftop and balcony solar a realistic supplement to grid power for much of the year.

It depends on the fate of HF3555/SF3873, introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session to define 'plug-in solar photovoltaic devices' (up to 1,200W) and exempt UL-certified units from utility interconnection agreements and fees. As of mid-2026 the bill was still in committee, having drawn both support and safety-related questions, with no enacted law yet.

There's no law in Mississippi specifically authorizing or banning plug-in/balcony solar devices. In practice, any grid-tied device would fall under the Mississippi PSC's standard net metering and interconnection rules, which require an application and utility approval -- there's no streamlined exemption for small devices, and no plug-in-solar-specific bill has been introduced as of 2025-2026.

Yes. Mississippi has no statewide solar access law, so HOAs can legally restrict or prohibit solar installations -- including plug-in or balcony units -- through their recorded covenants, with no state override.

Yes, Entergy Mississippi (and Mississippi Power) have offered net metering since 2016 under Mississippi PSC rules, though Entergy can stop accepting new net-metering applications once interconnected capacity passes 3% of peak system demand.

Mississippi has excellent solar resource potential, with more annual sun hours than most northern and midwestern states, making both rooftop and plug-in solar devices potentially more productive per watt than in cooler, cloudier climates.

Not currently. Mississippi is among the states with no plug-in/balcony solar legislation introduced as of 2025-2026, and no organized advocacy effort has been publicly identified yet.

Not explicitly authorized yet. Missouri's net metering law requires an interconnection application, a disconnect switch, and anti-islanting testing for grid-tied systems with no carve-out for small plug-in devices. A bill addressing 'Portable Solar Generation Devices' (HB 2444) was introduced in the 2026 session but had not advanced as of mid-2026.

No, not for roof-mounted solar collectors on homeowner-occupied property. RSMo § 442.404 bars HOA covenants from prohibiting solar installations, and a 2025-2026 Missouri Supreme Court ruling confirmed this applies even to older covenants. However, the law was written for roof-mounted panels and doesn't specifically address plug-in or balcony devices.

Yes, both utilities offer net metering for systems up to 100kW under Missouri's Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, though excess generation is credited at an avoided-cost rate after an annual true-up rather than carrying over at full retail value indefinitely.

Missouri has moderate-to-good solar potential, particularly in the southern half of the state, comparable to many mid-Atlantic states -- making it a reasonable candidate for supplemental plug-in solar once clearer rules are in place.

Yes -- HB 2444, addressing 'Portable Solar Generation Devices,' was introduced in Missouri's 2026 legislative session, but as of mid-2026 it had not advanced through committee, so no plug-in-solar-specific law is currently in effect.

Not explicitly addressed yet. Montana has no plug-in/balcony solar-specific legislation, so small grid-tied devices would technically fall under NorthWestern Energy's standard Small Generator Interconnection process (Rules 16-23 of the Montana Electric Tariff), which wasn't designed with sub-1500W devices in mind.

Potentially yes. Montana has no solar-access law preventing HOAs from banning solar installations; existing statutes only offer general protection against retroactive rule changes (MCA § 70-17-901), not a right to install solar over an HOA's objection.

Yes, NorthWestern Energy provides retail-rate net metering for systems up to 50kW, with excess generation banked and settled quarterly. In 2025-2026 the Montana PSC rejected the utility's bid to add demand charges and a separate solar rate class, keeping current terms in place for now.

Montana has surprisingly strong solar potential thanks to high elevation, clear skies, and cool temperatures that boost panel efficiency -- output can rival or exceed that of some southern states on a per-panel basis despite the shorter winter days.

No Montana-specific plug-in or balcony solar bill has been introduced as of mid-2026. Montana is among the states where standard interconnection rules still technically apply to small grid-tied devices, with no organized state-level push yet identified.

Currently yes, in most cases. Nebraska has no statute barring HOAs from prohibiting solar devices, though a bill (LB1119) has been proposed to change that. Until such a law passes, HOA covenants restricting solar panels, including small plug-in units, remain enforceable.

Technically, any grid-connected generation device is subject to interconnection rules requiring advance application, typically 60 days, regardless of size. Nebraska has not created a small-device exemption, so a plug-in solar unit connected to household outlets could fall into a regulatory gray area.

Yes. State law requires net metering for systems up to 25kW through public power utilities like OPPD, NPPD, and LES, with exports credited near the retail rate and an annual true-up.

As of mid-2026, no dedicated plug-in or balcony solar legislation has been introduced in Nebraska. The state remains among those without explicit plug-in solar laws.

Generally no. Nevada's solar access laws (NRS 278.0208 and NRS 116.318) void any HOA rule that prohibits or unreasonably restricts solar energy systems, though HOAs can impose reasonable aesthetic and placement conditions. These laws were not written with plug-in devices specifically in mind, but the broad language likely covers them.

NV Energy maintains a net metering program for systems up to 25kW with an online application process (PowerClerk Interconnect), but 2025-2026 regulatory changes -- including new demand charges and 15-minute netting in Northern Nevada -- have made the program less favorable for new solar customers.

There is no law explicitly authorizing or banning plug-in/balcony solar devices in Nevada. The state is listed among those without dedicated plug-in solar legislation, so such devices exist in a regulatory gray area regarding interconnection requirements.

As of mid-2026, no specific balcony or plug-in solar bill has been identified as introduced in the Nevada legislature.

Generally no for outright bans. RSA 477:49 prevents HOAs from completely prohibiting solar energy systems, though they can impose reasonable placement and aesthetic restrictions. New Hampshire's SB 540, signed into law May 28, 2026 and effective July 27, 2026, adds dedicated protections specifically for plug-in/balcony solar devices up to 1,200W.

Yes. New Hampshire signed SB 540 into law on May 28, 2026, joining Utah as one of the earliest states to pass dedicated plug-in/balcony solar legislation. The law takes effect July 27, 2026, putting New Hampshire ahead of most other states on this issue.

Both utilities offer net metering for systems up to 100kW through a single Application to Connect. Bill credits combine the default energy service rate, transmission charges, and 25% of distribution charges, applied through Eversource's PowerClerk portal.

No. Under SB 540, effective July 27, 2026, plug-in solar devices up to 1,200W don't require a permit or a formal utility interconnection agreement. Utility-specific notification steps may still apply, so check with Eversource or Unitil directly for current requirements.

The Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) bars HOAs from banning solar on detached single-family homes, but its protections are not clearly written to cover small plug-in/balcony devices used in condos or apartments, leaving a gap for that use case.

Yes -- S2368 was introduced in January 2026 and received a committee hearing. Reports are mixed on its prospects: some list it as likely to pass in 2026, while others note utility and labor union opposition has stalled similar plug-in solar efforts.

Yes, both offer 1:1 net metering credit at full retail rate. Small systems up to 10kW qualify for the simplified Level 1 interconnection process, which for JCP&L has no application fee.

Under current rules, any grid-connected generation device technically falls under the Level 1-3 interconnection framework, though enforcement for very small plug-in devices (under 1500W) is unclear absent the pending S2368 legislation creating a specific exemption.

Yes. The Solar Rights Act (NMSA 47-3-1 to 47-3-5) makes solar energy access a property right and voids HOA covenants that effectively prohibit solar collectors, though HOAs can still impose reasonable aesthetic and placement rules.

The Solar Rights Act does not specifically address rental units or small plug-in devices, so landlords likely retain discretion over what tenants attach to balconies or windows.

No. PNM requires a formal interconnection application, UL 1741-certified inverter, and a lockable disconnect switch for any grid-tied system, regardless of size, under current rules.

A 2026 plug-in solar exemption bill failed to advance amid fire-safety and interconnection concerns; advocates say they plan to reintroduce similar legislation in the 2027 session.

The SUNNY Act, allowing plug-in solar devices up to 1,200W on standard outlets without prior utility approval, passed the legislature in June 2026 and is awaiting the Governor's signature - not yet law as of this writing.

No outright ban is allowed under RPL 335-b, but this law targets rooftop systems and HOAs may still restrict balcony/plug-in devices since those aren't explicitly covered.

Likely yes - New York's solar access laws do not extend protections to renters against landlord restrictions on plug-in or balcony solar devices.

Yes, but systems under 50kW qualify for an expedited self-certification process rather than a full review, making small residential interconnections relatively quick.

No. Under NCGS 22B-20 and a 2022 NC Supreme Court ruling, HOAs cannot effectively prohibit solar collectors, though they can impose reasonable restrictions on placement and appearance.

Yes - House Bill 1129 ('Balcony Solar'), introduced in April 2026, would address plug-in solar devices, but as of mid-2026 it remains in the Rules Committee and has not passed.

Under current rules, yes - any grid-tied system needs a Pre-Application and Interconnection Request with associated fees, regardless of wattage, unless HB 1129 changes this.

Duke's favorable Net Metering 'Bridge Rate' closes to new applicants on December 31, 2026, after which new solar customers move to a Time-of-Use rate structure.

Likely yes. North Dakota has a solar easement statute (NDCC 47-05-01.1) but no law restricting HOA authority over solar installations, so HOA covenants can govern or ban devices.

No - Xcel Energy (Northern States Power) no longer offers residential net metering for solar in North Dakota, though other utilities like Otter Tail Power and Montana-Dakota Utilities still provide it under the state's 1991 policy for systems up to 100kW.

No. As of mid-2026, North Dakota has no active plug-in solar bill, unlike neighboring Minnesota which has introduced such legislation.

Yes - Otter Tail Power's published interconnection requirements apply to distributed generation generally, with no identified exemption for very small (<1500W) plug-in devices.

It's not explicitly banned, but Ohio's utilities (AEP Ohio, AES Ohio) currently require an interconnection application for any grid-tied device, including small plug-in solar units. A pending bill, HB 755, would exempt certified devices up to 1,200W from that requirement, but it hasn't passed yet.

Generally no — Ohio's SB 61 (2022) prevents HOA declarations from banning solar devices outright, unless 75% of owners vote to add such a restriction. HOAs can still impose reasonable placement and size rules.

Yes, AEP Ohio and AES Ohio both offer Net Energy Metering Service, but it requires a formal interconnection application and agreement — even for small systems under 1,500W — under current rules.

HB 755 is in committee as of the 2026 session. It would allow residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W to be installed without utility approval, fees, or interconnection paperwork, similar to laws passed in Utah and Maine.

Ohio has moderate solar potential (roughly 4-4.5 kWh/m²/day) — less than the Sun Belt but workable for supplemental balcony or patio solar setups, especially for offsetting daytime appliance use.

There's no law specifically banning small plug-in solar devices, but utility interconnection rules technically apply to any grid-tied system. HB 4060, reportedly advancing in the 2026 legislative session, would create a clear exemption for devices up to 1,200W.

Yes. Oklahoma has no solar-access law preventing HOAs from restricting or banning solar installations. A 2025 legal review confirmed HOAs can legally enforce such restrictions through CC&Rs.

PSO offers net metering up to 25kW with favorable monthly netting. OG&E requires a formal interconnection process for any inverter-based system and compensates exported power at avoided-cost rates, which are lower than retail rates.

Oklahoma has excellent solar resource — over 5 kWh/m²/day in many areas — but electricity is cheap, so the financial payback on a balcony solar setup is slower than in higher-cost states.

HB 4060, the Plug-In Solar Power Amendments Act, was reported as advancing in the 2026 session as of recent tracking, aiming to exempt sub-1,200W systems from utility approval and fees — but it has not yet been signed into law.

It's not banned, but under current rules any grid-tied device — including small plug-in solar units — technically requires a standard interconnection agreement with PGE or Pacific Power. A 2026 bill (HB 4080) that would have exempted balcony solar from this requirement did not pass.

No — Oregon's solar access laws (ORS 94.760, 94.778, 100.175) make HOA provisions that unreasonably restrict solar installations void. HOAs can only impose reasonable placement and screening rules.

Yes, both utilities are required to offer net metering at full retail rate for residential systems up to 25kW, which is one of the more favorable net metering policies in the country.

HB 4080 (2026) would have allowed plug-in balcony solar devices to connect to the grid without a formal interconnection agreement. It did not pass, after opposition from electrician and firefighter groups citing fire and electrical safety concerns.

Oregon's clean energy policy is very supportive (targeting 100% clean electricity by 2040), and its solar access laws are strong, but the lack of a plug-in-specific exemption means small devices technically face the same interconnection paperwork as larger systems for now.

It's not explicitly banned, but current rules require a standard interconnection agreement for any grid-tied device. HB 1971, introduced in the 2025-26 session, would create a 'permissionless' category for UL 3700-certified balcony solar up to a wattage limit, but the bill is currently stalled due to fire-safety concerns raised by officials.

Yes. Pennsylvania has no solar-access law protecting homeowners from HOA restrictions — a 2023-24 bill (SB 826) that would have changed this failed to pass, so HOAs can legally ban or heavily restrict solar installations through their CC&Rs.

Yes, net metering is available under Pennsylvania's AEPS Act (Act 213) and administered by the PUC, though interconnection review timelines vary by utility — typically 2-5 weeks — and there's no fast-track for small plug-in devices yet.

HB 1971 (2025-26 session) would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from interconnection requirements and prohibit HOA/landlord bans, but it's currently stalled in committee amid concerns from fire officials about battery and wiring safety.

Pennsylvania's renewable growth has lagged (ranked low nationally), and its AEPS renewable targets expired in 2021 without renewal, though SREC prices and utility net metering programs still make grid-tied solar workable for many homeowners.

It's not explicitly banned, but it falls under National Grid's standard interconnection process for now. Companion bills 2026-S 2359 and 2026-H 7269 would create a 'portable solar device' exemption from permitting and interconnection requirements, but as of March 2026 the House bill had been held for further study.

Potentially, yes. Rhode Island only has a solar easement law for voluntary agreements between neighbors — there's no statute preventing HOAs from restricting solar installations through their covenants.

Yes, and it was recently expanded. HB-5580, signed in June 2025, broadened net metering site eligibility under R.I. Gen. Laws §39-26.4-3, with residential systems under 25kW (including batteries) eligible for credits up to 125% of on-site usage.

Two related bills were introduced for the 2026 session — 2026-S 2359 and 2026-H 7269 — sponsored in part by Rep. Speakman, which would define and exempt 'portable solar devices.' The House version was held for study by committee as of March 2026, so it hasn't become law yet.

Rhode Island has relatively high electricity prices and moderate solar irradiance, making plug-in solar economically attractive, and the state is part of a broader New England push toward balcony solar legislation.

It's not banned, but it currently falls under standard utility interconnection rules. H 4579, the 'Balcony Solar Panels' bill, was referred to a House committee in January 2026 and would specifically protect balcony solar from HOA and deed restrictions if passed.

Yes, currently. South Carolina has no enacted solar-access law — prior bills (3979, 4460) that would limit HOA solar bans haven't passed, so HOAs generally retain the ability to restrict solar installations.

Yes, Dominion Energy SC and Duke Energy Carolinas/Progress are required to offer net metering for residential systems up to 20kW, and regulators have previously sided with solar advocates by rejecting a Dominion proposal to weaken the program.

H 4579 was referred to the House Labor, Commerce & Industry Committee on January 13, 2026, and remains pending in the 2025-26 two-year legislative session. It would bar HOAs and deed covenants from prohibiting balcony solar, with only reasonable aesthetic rules allowed.

Yes — South Carolina has strong Sun Belt solar potential and a relatively favorable net metering environment, making it one of the better-positioned states once plug-in-specific legislation like H 4579 advances.

There's no specific law banning small plug-in solar devices, but South Dakota also has no net metering policy and no clear small-system interconnection rules, so connecting a plug-in device to the grid exists in a regulatory gray area. No plug-in solar legislation has been introduced as of mid-2026.

Yes. South Dakota has no solar-access law restricting HOA covenants — only a voluntary solar easement statute for neighbor-to-neighbor agreements — so HOAs can legally ban or restrict solar installations, including balcony devices.

No. South Dakota is one of only three states where Xcel Energy does not offer net metering, even though it does in most other states it serves. Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy also have no net metering mandate in South Dakota.

As of mid-2026, South Dakota is among roughly 16 states with no plug-in/balcony solar bills introduced, likely reflecting the broader absence of any net metering framework that such legislation would typically interact with.

South Dakota has decent solar resource for its latitude, comparable to Minnesota or Wisconsin, but the lack of net metering and incentives means solar adoption — including small plug-in setups — remains low.

There's no law specifically banning plug-in solar devices, but TVA's lack of traditional net metering and the absence of standardized small-system interconnection rules mean a plug-in setup exists in a regulatory gray area. No plug-in solar bills have been introduced as of mid-2026.

Generally no for traditional solar — the Tennessee Solar Access Act limits HOA restrictions on residential solar installations, though HOAs can still impose reasonable placement and aesthetic rules. The law's application to small plug-in/balcony devices hasn't been tested.

No. TVA does not offer traditional net metering. Instead it runs 'Green Power Providers' and dispersed generation programs that compensate exported power at avoided-cost rates, typically lower than retail electricity prices.

Memphis Light, Gas & Water operates under an all-requirements contract with TVA that restricts the utility from buying power from other sources, which a 2025 Tennessee Lookout report identified as a structural obstacle to expanding distributed solar in the area.

Tennessee has moderate-to-good solar resource, better than states like South Dakota, but TVA's centralized power structure and lack of net metering dampen the financial case for rooftop or balcony solar compared to states with retail-rate net metering.

There's no Texas law explicitly authorizing or banning small plug-in solar devices that connect to a wall outlet. They exist in a legal gray area: nothing prohibits owning one, but grid-tied use without your utility's knowledge could violate your utility's interconnection rules or your homeowner's policy. As of mid-2026, no bill specifically addressing plug-in solar has been introduced in the Texas Legislature.

No, not entirely. Texas Property Code Section 202.010 prohibits HOAs from enacting rules that effectively ban solar energy devices, and HB 431 (2025) extended this to solar roof tiles. However, HOAs can still impose reasonable restrictions on placement, screening, and appearance. The law focuses on rooftop and ground-mounted systems and doesn't clearly address small balcony or patio plug-in units.

CenterPoint Energy does not offer net metering at all - any excess electricity you generate isn't credited or purchased. Oncor has streamlined interconnection for certified systems but no special program for net metering small plug-in devices. AEP Texas has a net metering program (SMART Source) but it's designed for larger, professionally installed systems, not portable plug-in units.

Very strong. Texas averages about 5.7 peak sun hours per day statewide, with West Texas and the Hill Country among the sunniest regions in the country. A 400-800W portable solar setup on a south-facing balcony or patio in most of Texas can meaningfully offset daytime electricity use, especially given the state's hot summers and high air-conditioning loads.

It depends entirely on your lease. Texas has no statewide tenant right to install solar devices, so landlords can prohibit or restrict balcony installations, especially anything involving drilling or permanent mounting. A freestanding panel with a portable power station that doesn't alter the unit is less likely to draw objections, but tenants should check their lease and get written approval to avoid disputes.

No. Under HB 340, plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W do not require a building permit or utility notification. Systems must be UL-listed and comply with NEC 2023 Section 705.13.

No. Plug-in solar systems in Utah are not eligible for net metering. Excess generation that flows back to the grid is not credited. This makes your self-consumption rate the most important variable in your payback calculation.

Your system must carry UL 1741 certification. The microinverter or power optimizer must be listed for grid-interactive use. Rocky Mountain Power does not require a separate interconnection agreement for systems under 1,200W covered by HB 340.

Utah's residential solar tax credit (25% up to $1,600) historically applied to rooftop PV systems — its applicability to plug-in systems is unconfirmed. The federal 30% ITC expired December 31, 2025. Consult a licensed tax professional before making purchase decisions based on credits.

Systems over 1,200W fall outside HB 340's simplified pathway and require a standard interconnection agreement with Rocky Mountain Power, plus potentially a building permit. The 1,200W limit applies to AC output, not panel nameplate DC rating.

HB 340 does not override landlord authority over modifications. However, since plug-in systems require no wiring changes or permanent installation — just an outlet — landlord approval is more likely than for rooftop systems. Get written permission before installation.

Yes. S.202 (with companion bill H.598) passed the Vermont Senate unanimously (29-0) in early February 2026, then the House, and was signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott on June 16, 2026. It took effect July 1, 2026, creating a clear legal category for 'portable solar energy generation devices' up to 1,200W that plug into a standard outlet, requiring only UL certification, anti-backfeed protection, and a simple utility notification rather than a formal interconnection agreement. Vermont is the second state, after Utah, to specifically legalize plug-in solar.

S.202 lets you install a 'portable solar energy generation device' — a movable photovoltaic device up to 1,200W that plugs into a standard outlet — without a Certificate of Public Good or interconnection agreement, as long as it's UL-certified, includes anti-backfeed protection, and your home has a smart meter.

Previously, any grid-tied solar system in Vermont, even a small plug-in one, technically fell under Green Mountain Power's net metering process, which requires a Certificate of Public Good from state regulators. Effective July 1, 2026, S.202 carves out small portable devices (up to 1,200W) from that requirement, letting residents notify their utility and install without the formal application process.

No. As long as your device meets S.202's requirements (UL certification, anti-backfeed protection, 1,200W combined cap per meter, smart meter), you don't need a Certificate of Public Good, an interconnection agreement, or utility approval.

HOAs can't ban it outright. 27 V.S.A. Section 544 prohibits HOA covenants from banning solar collectors, and S.202 also bars local bylaws and deed restrictions from prohibiting compliant portable devices, though reasonable placement restrictions are still allowed. Vermont has no specific statute giving renters an affirmative right to install one, so tenants should still get landlord sign-off, especially for anything involving cords or mounting hardware.

Yes, GMP's net metering program covers systems up to 500kW, with small systems (under 15kW) earning about $0.01/kWh in bill credits, or up to $0.04/kWh if you transfer your renewable energy credits to GMP. That program still requires a Certificate of Public Good, though — S.202 devices are a separate, zero-export/self-consumption category that don't need or receive net-metering credit at all; they replace the CPG/interconnection-agreement process with a simple utility notification.

Vermont averages around 4.0 peak sun hours per day, lower than sunnier states, but it has among the highest electricity rates in the country (roughly $0.23/kWh), which improves the economics of even modest solar offsets. Combined with S.202's streamlined rules for plug-in devices, Vermont is now one of the most plug-in-solar-friendly states in the Northeast.

January 1, 2027. HB 395 was signed in April 2026 and administrative setup began July 1, 2026. The consumer provisions — allowing residents to install and operate devices — take effect January 1, 2027.

1,200 watts per dwelling. The system must be nationally certified (UL or equivalent) and designed to plug into a standard outlet.

Yes — notification, not approval. You must submit a notification form to your utility (the SCC is developing the form). Your utility cannot deny, charge fees, or require an interconnection agreement.

No. HOAs and local governments cannot prohibit qualifying devices. Landlords can impose reasonable placement restrictions but cannot outright refuse. Tenants are responsible for any property damage.

No. Virginia's law is zero-export / self-consumption only. Plug-in solar is excluded from Virginia's net metering program.

Not explicitly, and Washington came close to changing that. HB 2296 (2025-26 session) would have legalized plug-in solar devices up to 1,200W and barred HOA/landlord bans, passing the House 56-38. But the Senate stripped the plug-in solar provisions over utility safety concerns before Gov. Inslee signed the remaining bill as Chapter 136, Laws of 2026. A standalone plug-in solar bill is expected for the 2027 session.

No, not entirely. RCW 64.38.055 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panel installations on a homeowner's property, though reasonable placement and aesthetic rules are allowed. The law is focused on rooftop and ground-mounted systems and doesn't clearly cover small balcony plug-in units.

Yes, Washington state law (RCW 80.60) requires utilities including Puget Sound Energy, Avista, and Seattle City Light to offer net metering for systems up to 100kW, crediting excess generation at the retail electricity rate. However, interconnection still requires an application and inspection process designed for permanently installed systems, not plug-and-play portable devices, and PSE specifically raised safety concerns about unsupervised plug-in solar during the 2026 legislative debate over HB 2296.

Washington has some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, around $0.11/kWh, largely due to hydropower. That means the financial payback period for a plug-in solar setup is longer than in high-rate states like Vermont or California, though it can still meaningfully reduce a household's draw from the grid during sunny hours.

Washington averages around 4.0 peak sun hours per day statewide, with significantly better solar resources east of the Cascades (around Spokane and the Tri-Cities) than in the cloudier Puget Sound region. A portable solar setup will generally perform better and pay off faster in eastern Washington.

There is no West Virginia law specifically addressing small plug-in solar devices, and as of mid-2026 no plug-in/balcony solar bill has been introduced in the state legislature. Owning and using a portable solar panel with a battery is fine, but using it in a grid-tied configuration without your utility's knowledge falls into an unregulated gray area.

It's complicated. W. Va. Code Section 36-4-19 voids existing HOA rules that ban solar energy systems, but HOAs can vote to adopt new restrictions going forward, and 'reasonable restrictions' are allowed for historic, architectural, or cultural reasons. This makes West Virginia's solar access protection weaker and more conditional than in many other states, and it's unclear how it would apply to small balcony plug-in devices.

Yes, under West Virginia's net metering law, Appalachian Power and other utilities must offer net metering for residential systems up to 25kW, crediting excess generation at the retail rate. However, this requires a standard interconnection application and a bidirectional meter - there's no simplified process for small plug-in devices.

West Virginia averages roughly 4.3 peak sun hours per day, which is moderate - better than the Pacific Northwest but below sunbelt states. Combined with relatively low electricity rates (around $0.115/kWh), the financial payback on a plug-in solar setup is longer than in higher-rate states, but it can still provide useful supplemental power, especially during outages.

It depends on your lease. West Virginia has no tenant solar-access law, so landlords can prohibit balcony or patio solar installations. A portable, freestanding panel that doesn't require drilling or permanent attachment is the least likely to cause issues, but tenants should get written approval first.

There's no Wisconsin law specifically addressing small plug-in solar devices, and as of mid-2026 no plug-in/balcony solar bill has been introduced in the legislature. Wisconsin's general solar-rights statutes don't clearly cover portable plug-in units, leaving them in a legal gray area, though nothing explicitly prohibits owning or using one.

Generally no for traditional installations - Wis. Stat. Section 236.292 voids HOA deed restrictions that prevent or unduly restrict solar energy systems on platted land. In practice, some HOAs still maintain conflicting aesthetic covenants that go unchallenged. The statute doesn't specifically address small balcony or patio plug-in devices, so coverage there is untested.

Yes, We Energies offers simplified net metering for systems under 300kW, with monthly netting of exports against usage and a Buy-Back Rate for excess generation. As of June 1, 2025, the utility implemented single bidirectional metering for net energy metering customers per a Public Service Commission order. There's no special small-device pathway for plug-in solar specifically.

Wisconsin averages around 4.5 peak sun hours per day, a moderate solar resource. Combined with relatively high electricity rates (~$0.16/kWh, among the higher rates in the Midwest), a plug-in solar setup can offer a reasonably good payback, especially for households running air conditioning or other daytime loads.

Likely yes for a freestanding portable unit that doesn't require drilling or permanent mounting, based on general Wisconsin landlord-tenant guidance, though there's no statute that explicitly guarantees this right. Tenants should still check their lease, since anything attached to the building structure typically requires landlord consent.

There's no Wyoming law specifically authorizing plug-in solar devices, and a 2026 attempt to change that failed. House Bill 146, sponsored by Rep. Liz Storer, would have exempted small plug-in solar systems from state inspection and utility approval requirements, but it died in committee in February 2026 after utility opposition. Plug-in devices remain in a legal gray area.

HB 146 died in the House Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee around February 17-21, 2026, for lack of a motion to advance it. Rocky Mountain Power, Black Hills Energy, and the Wyoming Rural Electric Association testified against the bill, arguing that exempting plug-in solar from inspection and interconnection approval could overload home wiring and create fire hazards.

Yes, likely. The Wyoming Solar Rights Act establishes solar access as a property right against local government interference but does not restrict HOA covenants. Wyoming has no comprehensive HOA solar-access law, so HOAs generally retain broad authority to prohibit or restrict solar installations, including balcony or patio plug-in devices, through their governing documents.

Yes, Rocky Mountain Power offers net metering for systems up to 25kW with no overall statewide cap, under its Net Metering Service Schedule No. 135. However, the utility has taken a notably cautious stance specifically toward plug-in solar, testifying against HB 146 in 2026 over safety concerns - distinct from its general support for conventional, professionally-installed net-metered systems.

Wyoming has excellent solar potential, averaging around 5.5 peak sun hours per day, among the better solar resources in the country, especially in the southern part of the state. Combined with moderate electricity rates (~$0.115/kWh), this gives plug-in solar strong technical performance, even though current state policy and utility opposition limit its legal clarity.