In this guide
Short answer: in a state with a plug-in solar law, your utility can't make you wait for approval or charge a fee for a qualifying kit, but some states still require a notice: Virginia before installing, Maine within 30 days above 420 W, and Maryland or California if the utility asks. In a state without a law, a grid-tied kit needs the utility's approval first.
The rule in each state with a law
| State | Approval | Notice | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Not allowed | Not required | Not allowed |
| Maryland | Not allowed | Utility may require advance notice with capacity and safety details | Disconnect switch may be charged in some cases |
| Maine | Not allowed | Within 30 days, above 420 W only | Not allowed |
| Vermont | Not allowed | None in the act | Not allowed (overload costs recoverable) |
| Connecticut | No interconnection agreement | None reported | Not allowed |
| Colorado | Not allowed | None reported; telling it is sensible | Not allowed |
| Virginia (Jan 1, 2027) | Not allowed | Required before installing, SCC form; met if no reply in 15 days | Not allowed |
| California (Jan 1, 2027) | Not allowed | Utility may require a simple registration | Not allowed |
| New Jersey (Mar 1, 2027) | Not allowed | Watch for BPU guidance | Not allowed |
| New Hampshire (pending) | Not allowed | Utility may offer a way to record system size | Not allowed |
The live status of every state is on the 50-state map. Rules on approval and fees apply only to devices that meet the law's conditions: the wattage cap, the required certification and a standard outlet. A kit that doesn't qualify is just an unapproved generator.
In states without a law
Without a plug-in law, any solar system that feeds your home's wiring is "distributed generation" under your utility's interconnection rules. That usually means an application, a UL 1741-listed inverter, an approval before you switch on and sometimes a fee or inspection. The process was designed for rooftop systems, and many utilities have no category for a kit plugged into an outlet.
If you still want to try, ask in writing and describe the system precisely (see the template below). Some utilities will approve a very small system; many will say their rules don't cover it. Don't plug in a grid-tied kit without an answer: it can break your service terms and your lease and may affect your insurance terms. For specific states, see Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
A panel that only charges a portable power station, with nothing plugged into your wall, doesn't connect to the grid, so no utility rule applies. See plug-in solar vs a power station.
Why tell the utility even when you don't have to
- Smart meters see exports. A meter showing reverse flow from an unknown source can trigger a call or a visit.
- Line worker safety. Certified kits shut off during outages, but crews like to know what's on their lines.
- Insurance. A record that you installed a certified device, and when, helps if you ever make a claim. Tell your insurer too.
- It's free and usually takes five minutes by email or online form.
Free notice template
Remove the bracketed law reference in states that don't need notice, or replace "notify" with "request approval" in states without a law. Keep a copy of what you send and any reply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need utility approval for balcony solar?
Not in states with a plug-in solar law: Utah, Maryland, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Colorado and, once in force, Virginia, California, New Jersey and New Hampshire all stop utilities from requiring approval for a qualifying device. In states without a law, a grid-tied kit falls under normal interconnection rules, which do require approval.
Which states require you to notify the utility?
Virginia requires notice before installation on a form set by the State Corporation Commission (from January 1, 2027). Maine requires notice within 30 days for devices above 420 W. Maryland and California let utilities require notice or a simple registration. Utah, Vermont and Connecticut have no reported notice requirement.
Can my utility charge a fee for plug-in solar?
Not for a qualifying device in states with a plug-in law. Maryland lets a utility charge for a disconnect switch in some cases, and Vermont lets it recover costs if a device overloads its equipment.
What should a notice to my utility include?
Your name, account number and service address, the device's make and model, its AC output in watts, the certification (for example UL 3700 and the certificate number) and the installation date. Keep a copy.
Will the utility find out if I don't tell it?
A smart meter can show small amounts of power flowing back to the grid. In a state with a law and no notice rule that isn't a problem, but in a state without a law it can lead to a letter asking you to disconnect.
Update log
- Guide published with rules for all states with a law.
Sources and official texts
- Utah Legislature: HB 340 (2025), enrolled bill text
- Vermont Legislature: Act 149 (S.202) as enacted
- pv magazine USA: Maine becomes third state to pass plug-in solar legislation (Apr 3, 2026)
- NHPR: New Hampshire joins states with laws on plug-in solar (July 8, 2026)
- CleanTechnica: Connecticut approves plug-in solar (May 30, 2026)