Colorado Sets the Highest US Plug-In Solar Limit at 1,920W: What HB 26-1007 Means

⏳ Passed Both Chambers — Awaiting Governor Polis's Signature

Colorado HB 26-1007 passed both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly on April 14, 2026, and is now awaiting Governor Jared Polis's signature. If signed, the plug-in solar provisions take effect January 1, 2027.

Colorado is poised to become one of the most permissive plug-in solar states in the country. HB 26-1007 — titled “Improve Customer Use of Distributed Energy Resources” — sets a 1,920W system limit, the highest of any US plug-in solar law drafted to date. That's 60% more capacity than Utah's and Maine's 1,200W limits, and it fundamentally changes what's possible for Colorado renters and homeowners.

Why 1,920W Is a Big Deal

The difference between a 1,200W and a 1,920W limit isn't just a number — it changes the practical use case for plug-in solar. At 1,200W, a typical system consists of two or three standard panels (400W each) and covers a meaningful share of a household's baseload. At 1,920W, you can run four to five panels, generating enough to offset a significant portion of a household's total annual consumption — including higher loads like refrigerators, air conditioning, and EV charging at off-peak hours.

For context, an 800W system in Colorado (with 5.5 peak sun hours — among the highest in the country) generates approximately 1,600 kWh/year. A 1,920W system under the same conditions would generate roughly 3,850 kWh/year — covering an estimated 30–40% of a typical Colorado household's annual electricity consumption.

Colorado's Solar Advantage

Colorado is one of the best states in the country for solar energy, for reasons that go beyond just politics:

  • 5.5+ peak sun hours per day — Colorado's high elevation and 300+ sunny days per year give it one of the highest solar resource levels of any US state, comparable to Arizona and New Mexico.
  • Average electricity rate: ~13.8¢/kWh — Lower than the national average, but Xcel Energy's rates have risen sharply in recent years, and the state's deregulated commercial market creates volatility for some customers.
  • Strong clean energy policy environment — Colorado has a 100% renewable energy standard by 2040 and has been an early mover on distributed energy policy. HB 26-1007 fits squarely within that trajectory.

What HB 26-1007 Actually Does

The bill's plug-in solar provisions establish a clear framework for residential and small commercial installation:

  • All retail electricity customers — renters and homeowners — may install systems up to 1,920W.
  • Systems must use UL-certified inverters with anti-islanding protection.
  • Landlords and HOAs cannot prohibit qualifying installations.
  • The bill references UL 3700 as the applicable safety standard.
  • If signed, provisions take effect January 1, 2027.

The Colorado Economics

Colorado's combination of high solar irradiance and moderate electricity rates creates a compelling financial case, especially at the higher 1,920W limit:

System Size Annual Production (CO, 5.5 PSH) Annual Savings at 13.8¢/kWh Typical System Cost Payback Period
800W ~1,606 kWh ~$222/year ~$1,200–$1,500 5–7 years
1,200W ~2,409 kWh ~$332/year ~$1,800–$2,200 5–7 years
1,920W (CO max) ~3,854 kWh ~$532/year ~$2,800–$3,500 5–7 years

At the maximum 1,920W, a Colorado household can save over $530/year at current rates — with payback periods in the 5–7 year range even without subsidies. Add battery storage and the economics improve further by shifting solar generation to Xcel Energy's peak-rate hours (typically 3–7 PM weekdays).

How Colorado Compares to Other States

State Bill Status Wattage Limit Effective Date
Utah HB 340 ✅ Enacted (March 2025) 1,200W In effect
Maine LD 1730 ✅ Enacted (April 6, 2026) 1,200W July 2026
Maryland HB 1532 ⏳ Awaiting Gov. Moore 1,200W Oct 1, 2026
Virginia HB 395 ⏳ Governor's Recommendation TBD Jan 1, 2027
Colorado HB 26-1007 ⏳ Awaiting Gov. Polis 1,920W — highest in US Jan 1, 2027

What This Means for Colorado Residents

  • Renters: If HB 26-1007 is signed, you will have a clear legal right to install a plug-in solar system up to 1,920W — the most powerful of any US state. A four-panel system on a south-facing balcony or patio could cover a substantial share of your electricity bill.
  • Homeowners: Same provisions apply. The 1,920W limit allows for a meaningful whole-home offset without any permits or interconnection agreements.
  • Installers and retailers: Colorado's higher wattage limit opens the market to larger, more premium systems. Customers who might have been limited to entry-level 400–800W kits in other states can now consider full 1,600–1,920W setups. This changes the average transaction value and the product mix that makes sense to stock and market.
  • Property managers: Begin reviewing lease addendum policies now. Tenants in Colorado will have the right to install qualifying systems once the law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Governor Polis and the Signature Timeline

Governor Jared Polis has been a consistent proponent of clean energy and distributed generation throughout his tenure. HB 26-1007 passed the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support — the bill's framing as a consumer cost-reduction measure rather than a purely environmental bill helped it attract votes from both sides of the aisle. A signature is widely expected, though no timeline has been announced.

Track the status of HB 26-1007 and all 50 states on our State Tracker. If you live in Colorado, check your readiness now so you're prepared to act the moment the law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Further Reading