Balcony Solar Advisor
Calculator
All guides

Is balcony solar legal?

Yes, in ten states, and the list is growing. Utah, Vermont, Maryland, Maine, Colorado and Connecticut have laws in effect now. Virginia, New Hampshire, California and New Jersey have signed laws that start in 2027. New York’s bill is waiting on the governor. Everywhere else, you need your utility’s approval first.

Last checked October 6, 2026

Map of US states colored by balcony solar law statusALAKAZCOFLGAINKSMEMNNCNDOKPASDTXWYMOWVILNMARCAHIIAKYMIMSMTNYOHORTNUTVAWAWINESCIDNVLA
Legal, in effectSigned, starts laterWaiting on governorBill in progressBill stalled or failed in 2026No law yet
Tap a state for its status. Green states have their own guide.

The ten states, plus New York

StateStatusBill
UtahIn effect since May 2025HB 340
VermontIn effect since July 1, 2026S. 202 / H. 598
MarylandIn effect since July 1, 2026HB 1532
MaineIn effect since July 29, 2026LD 1730
ColoradoIn effect since Aug 12, 2026HB26-1007
ConnecticutIn effect since Oct 1, 2026HB 5340
VirginiaSigned, takes effect Jan 1, 2027HB 395 / SB 250
New HampshireSigned, most rules start Jan 1, 2027SB 540
CaliforniaSigned Sept 30, 2026, takes effect Jan 1, 2027SB 868
New JerseySigned Sept 1, 2026, takes effect Mar 1, 2027S 2368
New YorkPassed the legislature, waiting on the governorSUNNY Act (A.9111-C / S.8512-C)

What “no law yet” means

We color those states grey, not red, on purpose. We don’t know of any state with a law that specifically bans plug-in solar. But the standard utility rules weren’t written for a panel you plug into the wall. They expect an application, an approval and sometimes fees, just like a rooftop system. A plug-in law takes small certified kits out of that process.

Plugging in without approval in a state with no law can break your utility’s terms of service. Ask your utility first.

What a typical law allows

  • A system up to 1,200 W of output (Colorado: 1,920 W).
  • Plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet.
  • Certified by UL or a similar lab. What UL 3700 is.
  • No interconnection agreement with the utility.

Details differ by state: some limit you to one device per home, some protect renters, California’s exemption ends in 2030 unless lawmakers extend it. What the laws actually say.

Common questions

Is balcony solar illegal in states without a law?

We don't know of any state with a law that specifically bans it. But without a plug-in law, your utility's standard rules for connecting solar apply, which usually means filing an application and waiting for approval, like a rooftop system. Plugging in without that can break your utility's terms.

Do these laws let my landlord or HOA say no?

Often, yes. The laws mainly stop utilities from blocking plug-in solar. Colorado adds landlord and HOA protections from January 1, 2027. Virginia limits outright bans. New York's bill doesn't require landlords, co-ops or condo boards to allow it.

Do I need a permit?

In the states with a plug-in law, a qualifying kit is exempt from the utility's interconnection agreement. Some states leave room for local rules, so check the details on your state page.

When will my state allow it?

Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C. introduced bills in the past year. Most 2026 sessions are over, and many bills that stalled are expected back in 2027.

Sources