In the US, 5 states have passed laws allowing plug-in solar systems, with more considering similar legislation
New rules in states like Colorado and Maryland remove utility approval barriers for small plug-in solar devices
The technology is expanding alongside growing state-level efforts to regulate and standardize plug-in solar use
The adoption of plug-in solar systems is gaining momentum across the United States as more states begin to legalize and regulate the technology. As of May 15, 2026, 5 US states – Utah, Virginia, Colorado, Maine, and Maryland – have passed bills legalizing plug-in solar systems.
Also referred to as balcony solar or portable solar generation systems, these small-scale units can be plugged into a home’s electrical system or used for portable power. The legislation allows residents to generate renewable energy without installing full rooftop solar systems.
Earlier this month, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB26-1007, the Improve Customer Use Distributed Energy Resources Act, allowing residents to install balcony solar systems in their homes or apartments using portable plug-in solar kits.
The act bars electricity providers from requiring prior approval for the installation or use of portable-scale solar devices. It also prevents individuals or organizations from imposing unreasonable restrictions on their installation, use, or operation. Any property covenant or rule that unfairly limits such systems would be considered void and unenforceable, although property owners may still apply reasonable restrictions.
By December 31, 2026, the Public Utilities Commission must update interconnection rules to ensure utilities permit the use of meter collar adapters certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Polis said users will be able to save on energy bills by making solar technology more affordable and accessible.
Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office, added: “Widespread adoption of these smaller solar energy systems, especially when paired with battery storage, will also improve grid reliability at peak times and move us closer to achieving our ambitious clean energy goals.”
Soon after Colorado, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Utility Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families (RELIEF) Act. Maryland’s HB-1532 defines the technology as portable solar energy generating systems that can be connected to a building’s electrical system through a standard electrical outlet.
The systems would have a maximum power output of 1,200 W, certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory. Systems up to 391 W would be exempt from certain UL listing provisions.
Citizens installing such systems in Maryland would not be required to obtain approval from their electric company or pay related fees. They would only need to notify the utility serving the area.
Several other US states are also advancing similar bills, including Connecticut, where HB 5340 has passed both chambers and is awaiting Governor Ned Lamont’s signature. According to Bright Saver, more than 30 US states had introduced plug-in solar legislation as of March 2026 (see 30 US States Taking Legislative Action For Balcony Solar).
The main push for plug-in solar comes from the access it provides to solar technology, especially for those who cannot afford or install rooftop PV or access community solar. Its decentralized nature helps expand energy generation to more households, including renters and apartment dwellers, by enabling power generation at a small, plug-and-play scale.
The US draws inspiration from Germany’s model, where more than 1.3 million plug-in solar systems are currently operational, according to Craig Morris, CEO of the Bundesverband Steckersolar (BVSS). In an interview with TaiyangNews, Morris noted that, unlike Germany’s federal approach, plug-in solar in the US is advancing at the state level (see Craig Morris: Plug-In (Balcony) Solar Could Reach Mainstream By 2030).
The Plug-In Solar Legislation Tracker, which tracks US state bills legalizing plug-in solar, reports that more than 29 state legislatures are currently considering such measures. Similar bills have failed to advance in Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Georgia, and Wyoming.