Is balcony solar legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut has a plug-in solar law in effect.
Up to 1,200 W; one device behind each customer meter. In effect since October 1, 2026.
- Size limit
- 1,200 W
- Utility notice
- None
- Electricity price
- 27.5¢/kWh
- 800 W kit payback
- 4.1 years
The law at a glance
| Status | Law in effect |
|---|---|
| Bill | HB 5340, Public Act 26-127 (sections 9 and 10) |
| Where it lives in law | Public Act 26-127, §§9–10 |
| Signed | 2026 (secondary sources give May 20 or June 4) |
| Effective | October 1, 2026 |
| Size limit | Up to 1,200 W; one device behind each customer meter |
| Certification | Must meet the State Building Code, the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and IEEE 1547, and be certified by UL or an equivalent lab to UL 1741. |
What your utility can and can't require
- No utility approval before installation or use, no fee, and no extra required equipment.
- Exempt from interconnection agreement requirements.
- The device must carry a warning that excess generation is billed as usage unless you have a net-metering meter.
Renters, landlords and HOAs
- The act does not address landlords or condo associations; local ordinances and fire codes still apply.
Other requirements
- Not permanently affixed to the structure; plugs into a standard 120 V outlet.
- State building and fire officials must consider safe-installation provisions in the next code update.
What a balcony kit would save in Connecticut
Connecticut's average residential price was 27.5¢ per kWh for January–August 2026, above the US average of 18.2¢ and down 9% from the same months of 2025 (EIA). That ranks 7 of 51 for price.
| 800 W kit, $700 | kWh per year | Savings per year | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging on a south-facing railing | 760 | $170 | 4.1 years |
| Hanging on an east- or west-facing railing | 582 | $146 | 4.8 years |
| Tilted 35° on a stand, facing south | 1115 | $221 | 3.2 years |
Assumes a 300 W always-on household load and 4.53 peak sun hours (NREL data for Connecticut's largest city). How we calculate.
Before you buy
- Confirm the law is in effect on the day you plan to install.
- Choose a kit certified to the standard Connecticut names. See UL 3700 explained.
- Check your lease or HOA rules. See renters and HOAs.
- Pick an outlet on a circuit without heavy loads. See safety.
- Send your utility any required notice before plugging in.
Common questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut has a plug-in solar law in effect. Up to 1,200 W; one device behind each customer meter. In effect since October 1, 2026. Status checked October 29, 2026.
What is the wattage limit for balcony solar in Connecticut?
Up to 1,200 W; one device behind each customer meter.
Do I need to tell my utility in Connecticut?
No utility approval before installation or use, no fee, and no extra required equipment. Exempt from interconnection agreement requirements. The device must carry a warning that excess generation is billed as usage unless you have a net-metering meter.
Can renters install balcony solar in Connecticut?
The act does not address landlords or condo associations; local ordinances and fire codes still apply.
How much would balcony solar save in Connecticut?
At Connecticut's average residential price of 27.5¢/kWh, an 800 W kit hanging on a south-facing railing would save about $170 a year in our model, paying back a $700 kit in about 4.1 years. East- or west-facing railings save about $146.
Sources for Connecticut
Found something out of date? Email hiruben@gmail.com. We log fixes on the corrections page. This page is general information, not legal advice.