US rules, products and state-by-state information
Plug-in solar panels in the United States
Plug-in solar is a small photovoltaic system that connects through a standard wall outlet, rather than a permanent, electrician-wired rooftop installation. In the US, the rules are set state by state.
8 states have enacted laws specific to plug-in solar. Others have bills at various stages, and some have no statute on the books. A product certification for complete plug-in systems, UL 3700, now exists, though state laws reference certification in different ways.
Where each state stands
51 rows: 50 states and the District of Columbia. Checked 28 Aug 2026.
- 8Enacted
- 3Passed legislature, awaiting governor
- 2Passed one chamber
- 7In committee
- 8Did not pass (session ended)
- 4No statute found
- 19Not yet checked
Key references
- Is it legal in the US? No federal rule. What applies depends on your state and your utility.
- 1200W plug-in solar Why 1,200 W appears in most bills, and what the figure means in each one.
- UL 3700 explained The certification some laws name, and the different standards others use.
- Plug-in solar kits Products marketed as plug-in in the US, with manufacturer-stated certification.
- Apartments and renters Where eligibility is set, and questions to ask a landlord or HOA.
- How we check Sources, the weekly routine, and how to report a correction.
State status updates
A short email that goes out when a state's status changes is planned. It is not open yet.
Not open yet.
Checked 28 Aug 2026
Status reflects the text of the bill or statute linked in each row as published by the state legislature, checked on 28 Aug 2026. We summarize what the text says; we do not assess whether a system may be used in your home. Laws change and utilities apply their own rules. Read the linked source and check with your utility before buying or connecting anything.