In this guide
Short answer: yes. Since October 1, 2026, Connecticut's HB 5340 lets households use a certified plug-in solar device with up to 1,200 watts of output in an ordinary outlet. Utilities can't require an interconnection agreement or charge fees. Exported power isn't credited, and you still need your landlord's or condo board's permission for anything outside your unit.
- Status
- Legal, in force
- Law
- HB 5340 (2026 omnibus solar bill)
- Maximum output
- 1,200 W
- In effect since
- October 1, 2026
- Certification
- UL or another nationally recognized lab
- Interconnection agreement or fees
- Not allowed for qualifying devices
The plug-in rules are a small part of HB 5340, a broad solar bill that also extends Connecticut's residential solar programs to 2035, launches a successor community solar program and requires automated rooftop solar permitting by 2028. Governor Ned Lamont signed it in early June 2026. For the rest of the country, see the 50-state map.
What the law requires of your device
- 1,200 W of output or less, measured at the inverter (AC side), not panel watts.
- Plugs into an ordinary household outlet.
- Certified by Underwriters Laboratories or another nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Complies with the National Electrical Code and state building and fire codes.
During the debate, advocates asked lawmakers to let households combine several small units as long as the total stays at or under 1,200 W. Until official guidance confirms how the cap is counted, treat 1,200 W as the limit for your whole home.
What it doesn't do
- No payment for exports. The devices are meant to offset part of your own use. Electricity your home doesn't use at that moment flows to the grid without credit.
- No landlord or condo override has been reported. Your lease and association rules still apply. See balcony solar for renters.
- No hardwired systems. Anything wired into your panel still needs a normal interconnection application.
State building and fire code officials were asked to review whether their rules need changes. Check this page for updates.
Eversource and United Illuminating
Both utilities are covered: neither can require an interconnection agreement or charge a fee for a qualifying device. No notice requirement has been reported, but letting your utility know what you installed is free and helps if a technician ever checks your meter.
How much a kit saves in Connecticut
Connecticut's average residential price was about 24 cents per kWh in July 2026 (EIA), one of the highest in the lower 48. That makes even a small kit worthwhile.
| Setup | Produced per year | Saved per year |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W kit, vertical on a south railing, some shade | ~320 kWh | ~$72 |
| 800 W kit, vertical on a south railing, some shade | ~630 kWh | ~$122 |
| 800 W kit, tilted south, no shade | ~1,000 kWh | ~$193 |
| 1,200 W kit, tilted south, no shade | ~1,500 kWh | ~$236 |
Estimates assume you use 80% of the output (95% for 400 W, 65% for 1,200 W) at 24.2¢/kWh. Try your own numbers with the calculator, preset for Connecticut.
Getting set up in Connecticut
- Get permission from your landlord, condo board or HOA for anything outside your unit.
- Choose a certified kit, 1,200 W or less of AC output. 400 to 800 W fits most homes. See our kit guide.
- Use a suitable outlet: an outdoor GFCI outlet or an indoor one on a lightly loaded circuit. No extension cords or power strips.
- Mount for winter: Connecticut gets snow and nor'easters. Use clamps rated for wind and keep panels clear of snow slides from the roof.
- Monitor production in the app for the first weeks.
Full steps are in how to install balcony solar.
Frequently asked questions
Is balcony solar legal in Connecticut?
Yes. HB 5340, signed by Governor Lamont in June 2026, allows residential use of portable plug-in solar devices with up to 1,200 W of output. The plug-in rules took effect on October 1, 2026.
Do I need permission from Eversource or United Illuminating?
No interconnection agreement is required for a qualifying device, and utilities can't charge you a fee for it. The device must be certified by UL or another nationally recognized lab and meet the electrical, building and fire codes. Telling your utility is still a sensible, free step.
Will Eversource pay me for power I send to the grid?
Don't plan on it. Plug-in devices are meant to offset your own use, and the law doesn't set up credits for exported power. Size the kit so you use most of what it makes.
Can renters in Connecticut use plug-in solar?
Reports on HB 5340 don't describe any override of leases or condo rules, so get your landlord's or association's written permission before mounting anything outside your unit.
How much can a balcony solar kit save in Connecticut?
At about 24 cents per kWh, a well-placed 800 W kit saves roughly $120 to $190 a year, and a 400 W kit around $70. Payback on a $600 to $1,000 kit is often 5 to 8 years.
Update log
- Page published. Checked against news reports on the signed bill.
Sources and official texts