The Legislative Landscape in March 2026

Following Utah's landmark HB 340 (2025), a wave of similar legislation is moving through state legislatures. Here's the current status of every major bill:

Most Likely to Pass in 2026

Virginia SB-1092 — Residential Clean Energy Access Act

Status: Passed Senate, in House Commerce and Energy Committee

This bill has the strongest momentum of any pending legislation. It passed the Virginia Senate with bipartisan support and is now in the House. Governor Youngkin has signaled openness to signing it. The bill would allow renters to install up to 2kW and require Dominion Energy to offer TOU rates.

New York S-9154 — SUNNY Act

Status: Passed Senate Energy Committee, awaiting full Senate vote

New York's SUNNY Act has been building momentum for two years. With 44 million renters nationally and New York City's massive renter population, this would be the second most impactful plug-in solar law after California's. The bill allows up to 1.5kW and includes strong tenant protections.

Bills in Committee

Colorado HB-1161 — Balcony Solar Pilot Program

Status: Passed House, in Senate Transportation and Energy Committee

Colorado's approach is more cautious — a 500-household pilot program rather than a statewide right. If the pilot succeeds, a broader bill is expected in 2027.

Massachusetts HD-3892

Status: Passed Joint Committee, awaiting House Ways and Means

Massachusetts has the third-highest electricity rates in the continental US, making plug-in solar particularly valuable for renters. The bill includes strong tenant protections and requires utilities to offer TOU rates.

New Jersey A-4521

Status: In Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee

New Jersey's bill includes SREC-II credit eligibility for plug-in solar, which would significantly improve the economics. NJ has excellent solar incentives and high electricity rates.

Newly Introduced Bills

Maryland HB-1285

Status: In House Environment and Transportation Committee

Maryland introduced its renter solar bill in January 2026. With electricity rates up 18% year-over-year, there's strong consumer pressure for action.

Rhode Island H-7542

Status: In House Environment and Natural Resources Committee

Rhode Island has the second-highest electricity rates in the continental US. The bill would allow up to 1.5kW and require National Grid to offer TOU rates.

What to Watch

The most important development to watch is Virginia SB-1092. If it passes and is signed, it will be the first major plug-in solar law passed by a Republican-controlled legislature, signaling that this is a bipartisan issue. That could accelerate legislation in other red and purple states.

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