Colorado Signs HB 26-1007 Into Law: The Highest US Plug-In Solar Limit at 1,920W
By PlugInSolarUS Editorial Team · Published 2026-04-15 · Updated May 7, 2026 · 7 min read
Governor Jared Polis signed HB 26-1007 into law on May 7, 2026, making Colorado the 4th US state to legalize plug-in solar. With a 1,920W limit — the highest of any US plug-in solar law — Colorado opens the door to larger, more powerful systems than any other state. Provisions take effect January 1, 2027.
Colorado Signs HB 26-1007 Into Law: The Highest US Plug-In Solar Limit at 1,920W
✅ Signed Into Law — May 7, 2026
Governor Jared Polis signed HB 26-1007 into law on May 7, 2026. Colorado becomes the 4th US state to explicitly legalize plug-in solar. Provisions take effect January 1, 2027.
Colorado is now one of the most permissive plug-in solar states in the country. Governor Jared Polis signed HB 26-1007 — titled “Improve Customer Use of Distributed Energy Resources” — into law on May 7, 2026. The law sets a 1,920W system limit, the highest of any US plug-in solar law 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 (Ch. 353) | ✅ Signed May 12, 2026 | 1,200W | Effective immediately |
| Virginia | HB 395 | ✅ Enacted (April 22, 2026) | 1,200W | July 1, 2026 |
| Colorado | HB 26-1007 | ✅ Enacted (May 7, 2026) | 1,920W — highest in US | Jan 1, 2027 |
What This Means for Colorado Residents
- Renters: You now have a clear legal right to install a plug-in solar system up to 1,920W — the most powerful of any US state. You must notify your landlord before installation, but they cannot refuse. A four-panel system on a south-facing balcony or patio could cover a substantial share of your electricity bill once the law takes effect January 1, 2027.
- 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 400–1,200W 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. Note: UL 3700-certified products above 391W are not yet widely available.
- 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. Tenants must notify you before installation but cannot be prohibited.
What Governor Polis Said
Governor Polis posted on Facebook upon signing: "Today, I was proud to sign bipartisan HB26-1007, which will open the door to balcony solar, making it easier and more affordable for Coloradans to access solar." The bill passed with broad bipartisan support — its framing as a consumer cost-reduction measure rather than a purely environmental bill helped it attract votes from both sides of the aisle.
Rep. Lesley Smith, a bill co-sponsor, said: "Our law removes unnecessary barriers and establishes safety standards to ensure Coloradans can take advantage of our 300 days of sunshine to generate solar energy. HB26-1007 makes plug-in solar a reality so more Coloradans can save money on their utility bill, especially those living in shared spaces or apartments."
A Note on Product Availability
The law takes effect January 1, 2027, but consumers should be aware that UL 3700-certified systems above 391W are not yet widely available in the US market. Manufacturers are currently working to certify products under the UL 3700 standard released in January 2026. The Colorado Solar and Storage Association recommends waiting for UL-listed products or purchasing systems smaller than 392W in the meantime.
Track the status of 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
- Colorado State Detail Page — HB 26-1007 full summary and timeline
- Breaking: Maine Becomes Second State to Legalize Plug-In Solar
- Maryland's Utility RELIEF Act: What HB 1532 Means for Renters
- Plug-In Solar Legislation Roundup: What's Moving in 2026
- Savings Calculator — Estimate your annual savings in Colorado