Plug-In Solar in Connecticut — Legal
Bill: HB 5340 (Public Act 26-127) — An Act Concerning Renewable Power Generation
Sponsor: Energy and Technology Committee
Legislative Status: Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-127 on July 15, 2026. The broader renewable-energy law includes provisions supporting small plug-in solar systems.
Current Status: Signed Into Law — Public Act 26-127 (July 15, 2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Connecticut?
Yes—Connecticut has an enacted statewide pathway for qualifying plug-in solar devices under HB 5340 (Public Act 26-127). The tracked framework lists a 1,200 watts (AC output) for portable solar generation devices [1]. limit. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: August 21, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 28.6¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $345/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 11¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.2 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Allows use of portable solar photovoltaic systems (plug-in solar). Requires PURA to develop successor programs for RRES, NRES and SCEF programs. Includes agrivoltaics program and solar EJ pilot. Signed into law May 20, 2026.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts (AC output) for portable solar generation devices [1]. |
| UL 3700 | referenced — Certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory [1]. |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text for portable solar devices. |
| Renter Provision | The bill allows for the use of "portable solar photovoltaic systems" (referred to as "portable solar generation devices") which are typically used by renters. Electric distribution companies cannot require approval from customers using these devices [1]. |
| Utility Approval | Waived — electric distribution companies cannot require a customer to obtain approval before installing or using a portable solar generation device, pay any fee or charge related to the device, or install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device. |
| Permit Required | Not explicitly required by the law, BUT the law explicitly states it does NOT exempt devices from the State Building Code, the Fire Safety Code, the State Fire Prevention Code, or any local ordinance or regulation. Local building permits may therefore apply depending on jurisdiction. The State Building Inspector and Fire Marshal are directed to consider amending codes to address these devices. |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not addressed for portable solar generation devices specifically. The broader bill includes virtual net metering and tariff provisions for other solar programs. |
| Key Differences | Connecticut is the only enacted state whose law explicitly preserves the applicability of the State Building Code, Fire Safety Code, and local ordinances to portable solar devices. This means local permit requirements may still apply, unlike most other enacted states. No notification requirement at all. |
| Notable Omissions | The law does not address HOA restrictions for portable solar devices. The building code carve-out means local permit requirements may still apply in some jurisdictions — users should check with their local building department. |
What You Can Do
Self-install up to 1,200W without Eversource or UI approval or fees. No notification to the utility required. At $0.286/kWh, an 800W system could save $315+ per year. Law effective October 1, 2026.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Systems over 1,200W still require standard interconnection. Law takes effect October 1, 2026. Important: the law does NOT exempt devices from the State Building Code, Fire Safety Code, or local ordinances — check with your local building department about permit requirements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Connecticut Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program provides tariff-based compensation for solar generation (systems up to 25 kW eligible). Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loans offer low-interest financing for solar. Sales tax exemption on solar systems. Property tax exemption for solar equipment. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Connecticut RRES Program — PURA — Tariff-based compensation for solar generation; systems up to 25 kW eligible.
- Connecticut Green Bank — Smart-E Loans — Long-term, low-interest financing for solar and home energy upgrades.
- DSIRE — Connecticut Solar Incentives — Full list of Connecticut state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 3,617,176 |
| Total Households | 1,434,007 |
| Owner-Occupied | 953,715 |
| Renter-Occupied | 480,292 |
| Single-Family Homes | 828,914 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 304,762 |
| Median Household Income | $95,781 |
| Median Home Value | $366,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.6 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 41° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1028 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource (CT) | ~1.28 million customers | Yes |
| United Illuminating (UI) | ~340,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Behind the Bill: How Connecticut Brought Plug-In Solar Into a Broader Renewable-Energy Package — PlugInSolarUS (June 2026)
- CT rooftop solar guide: Permit proposal under Lamont aims to simplify installations — CT Insider (February 22, 2026)
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in Connecticut
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your CT setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Connecticut — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Behind the Bill: How Connecticut Brought Plug-In Solar Into a Broader Renewable-Energy Package — Read the most relevant PlugInSolarUS article for Connecticut.
- Review plug-in solar safety standards — Understand equipment certification and the safety checks that may apply to a grid-connected setup.