In this guide
Short answer: not yet. As of October 22, 2026, North Carolina has no plug-in solar law. HB 1129 (and a Senate version, SB 957) would allow certified devices of up to 1.2 kW without utility approval, with a 15-day notice to the utility and protections for renters. It was referred to the House Rules Committee in April 2026 and hasn't moved since.
- Status
- Bill in committee; not law
- Bills
- HB 1129 "Balcony Solar" and SB 957
- Proposed cap
- 1.2 kW, standard 120-volt outlet
- Proposed notice
- 15 days before operating, on a Utilities Commission form
- Average price
- About 15.2¢/kWh (July 2026)
What HB 1129 would do
The bill, filed on April 30, 2026 by Representatives Cook, Harrison, Cervania and Rubin, follows Virginia's law closely:
- Movable devices of no more than 1.2 kW, connected through a standard 120-volt outlet.
- Certified by UL or an equivalent lab, compliant with the North Carolina Electrical Code, and unable to energize the building during an outage.
- No utility approval, interconnection agreement, fees or extra equipment.
- A notice at least 15 days before operating, on a short Utilities Commission form (contact details, address, account number, device model).
- No net metering for customers whose only generation is a plug-in device.
- The utility isn't liable for damage caused by the device.
Renters under HB 1129
Landlords who own more than four rental units couldn't prohibit tenants from installing a device on the exterior, but could set reasonable limits on size and placement to prevent blocked exits or property damage. Tenants would give seven days' notice, provide proof of certification if asked, pay for any damage and couldn't alter wiring without written approval. See can my landlord stop me?
What applies today
Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion Energy North Carolina and the state's co-ops and municipal utilities handle customer solar through the Utilities Commission's interconnection procedures: application and approval first. Read do you need to tell your utility?
Plugging an unapproved grid-tied kit into an outlet in a state without a law may break your utility's terms of service, your lease and possibly your insurance terms. It also earns nothing for exported power.
What a kit could save in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential price was about 15.2 cents per kWh in July 2026 (EIA). Good sunshine partly makes up for the moderate price.
| Setup | Produced per year | Saved per year |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W kit, vertical on a south railing, some shade | ~340 kWh | ~$49 |
| 800 W kit, vertical on a south railing, some shade | ~680 kWh | ~$83 |
| 800 W kit, tilted south, no shade | ~1,080 kWh | ~$131 |
| 1,200 W kit, tilted south, no shade | ~1,620 kWh | ~$160 |
Estimates assume you use 80% of the output (95% for 400 W, 65% for 1,200 W) at 15.2¢/kWh. Try your numbers with the calculator, preset for North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
Is balcony solar legal in North Carolina?
Not under a specific law. HB 1129, the Balcony Solar bill, was filed on April 30, 2026 and referred to the House Rules Committee; a Senate version (SB 957) was also filed. Neither had passed as of October 2026.
What would North Carolina's HB 1129 allow?
Movable devices of up to 1.2 kW plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet, certified by UL or an equivalent lab and meeting the state electrical code, without utility approval, interconnection agreements or fees. Customers would notify the utility at least 15 days before operating the device.
Would renters be protected under HB 1129?
Yes, partly. Landlords who own more than four rental units couldn't ban exterior devices but could set reasonable size and placement rules. Tenants would give seven days' notice and be responsible for damage.
Can I use plug-in solar with Duke Energy now?
Only through Duke Energy's interconnection process, which requires an application and approval before you switch on.
Update log
- Page published. Checked against the bill text (edition 1).
Sources and official texts