Balcony solar in Colorado
In effect since Aug 12, 2026. Colorado’s law is HB26-1007. An 800 W kit on a south-facing railing saves about $104 a year here and pays for itself in about 6.7 years.
Last checked October 6, 2026
What Colorado’s law says
- The law took effect on August 12, 2026.
- Colorado allows the largest systems in the country: up to 1,920 W, against 1,200 W in most states.
- Your utility can’t block a qualifying plug-in device.
- Landlord and HOA protections start on January 1, 2027.
What that means right now
The utility part applies now. If you rent or live under an HOA, the protections arrive on January 1, 2027.
If you rent or have an HOA
From January 1, 2027, Colorado’s law adds protections against landlords and HOAs blocking plug-in solar. It’s one of the few states that does. Renters guide.
What a kit saves in Colorado
Estimates at Colorado’s average power price (16.7¢/kWh), 250 W of always-on use at home, extra power counted as $0.
| Setup | Makes per year | Saves per year | Paid back in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 W, south-facing railing ($700) | 838 kWh | $104 | 6.7 yrs |
| 800 W, east or west railing ($700) | 648 kWh | $83 | 8.4 yrs |
| 800 W, south, tilted stand ($700) | 1,280 kWh | $124 | 5.7 yrs |
| 1,200 W, south-facing railing ($1,000) | 1,257 kWh | $119 | 8.4 yrs |
Month by month (800 W, south railing)
A panel hanging straight up does best when the sun is low, so winter months hold up better than you’d expect.
Colorado gets a lot of sun, but its power price is below the national average. A bigger kit only helps if your home uses that power while the sun is up.
Calculate for my home in Colorado
Before you buy
- Confirm the law applies on the date you want to plug in.
- Buy a kit certified to the standard the law requires. UL 3700 explained.
- Stay within the size limit.
- Get your landlord’s or HOA’s OK in writing.
- Check your spot: direction, shade, and a solid railing or stand.
Colorado: common questions
Is balcony solar legal in Colorado?
In effect since Aug 12, 2026. The law is HB26-1007.
How much can balcony solar save in Colorado?
About $104 a year for an 800 W kit on a south-facing railing, at Colorado's average power price of 16.7¢ per kWh. On a tilted stand facing south, about $124.
How long does it take to pay back in Colorado?
About 6.7 years for a $700 kit on a south-facing railing, before power prices rise. Rising prices shorten that.
How many sun hours does Colorado get?
About 5.3 peak sun hours a day on average across the year, at a typical location in the state.
Can my landlord or HOA stop me in Colorado?
From January 1, 2027, Colorado’s law adds protections against landlords and HOAs blocking plug-in solar. It’s one of the few states that does.
Sources
- Solar.com, 2026 Guide to Balcony & Plug-In Solar (state law table, updated October 1, 2026).
- Plug-In Solar Guide, What States Allow Plug-In Solar Panels?
- Electricity prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (March 2026 data).
- Production and savings: our calculation method.