As Americans continue to struggle with soaring power prices, many states are passing legislation to allow residents to use plug-in solar and start generating some of their electricity from their own balcony, backyard, or porch.
As of July 1, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont and New York have joined Utah in passing plug-in legislation. Three more states, Massachusetts, California, and Rhode Island — are advancing legislation likely to pass this year.
A behind the bill story (15-minute read) outlines how New Hampshire legislators, advocates, and utilities were able to come to agreement on safety, consumer access, and implementation to pass plug-in solar legislation.
Safety Codes and Standards
Updates to product safety codes and standards for plug-in systems are now in place and consumers can buy plug-and-play systems compliant with the new safety standard, UL3700. This certification ensures kits automatically cut power in less than a second if unplugged and stop sending power during an outage, protecting utility workers from shock.
Battery + Plug-In Hybrid Systems
Many states will allow systems that combine plug-in with battery storage, allowing homeowners and renters to have an emergency power back-up during outages and avoid grid interaction. We’ll want to see this option included in Washington State legislation in 2027.
Meter Socket Adapters Included in Legislation
Colorado’s legislation contains provisions for plug-in solar and meter socket adapters (MSAs). MSAs allow Colorado residents to add solar inverters, EV chargers, and battery backup systems without costly rewiring of their electrical panel. We’ll want to see this option included in our state’s legislation in 2027. In 2026, utilities pushed legislators to scrap language and add amendments to SHB 2296 that prevent us from installing MSAs.
Landlords and HOAs
Some state legislation prohibits landlords from preventing the installation of plug-in and requires tenants to notify their landlords. Landlords are allowed to set rules for preventing fire and electrical overload. Colorado legislation also prohibits HOAs from preventing installation.
How do we make plug-in solar and MSAs available in Washington?
Plug-in, MSAs and battery storage legislation failed this year because foreign investor-owned utility Puget Sound Energy (PSE) lobbied against the best interests of their customers. See our legislative round-up on SHB 2296 and SB 6050 for details.
Get in touch with the Power Up team at washington@thirdact.org if you’d like to volunteer with us to educate voters and legislators about plug-in solar and other ways we can expand residential solar and make it more affordable!