Lawmakers in 28 states and D.C. push plug-in balcony solar after Utah law
Mar 8th 2026
Bipartisan bills sweeping statehouses would let people plug small solar panels into standard 120-volt outlets without lengthy utility interconnection, aiming to lower bills and expand access to clean power after Utah removed interconnection requirements in 2025.
- Lawmakers in 28 states and Washington, D.C., have introduced bills to legalize plug-in balcony solar systems.
- Utah passed a law in March 2025 allowing residents to plug in certified devices without utility interconnection.
- Most proposals cap systems at about 1,200 watts and require certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Supporters say modest units can cut household bills, with nonprofits estimating a 220-watt panel can supply 15 to 20 percent of one household's electricity.
- Utilities warn of safety risks and potential grid backfeed while advocates say small system sizes make significant backflow unlikely.
- UL launched an initial testing protocol in January to help standardize safety certification for plug-in solar devices.