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: Signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont on May 20, 2026 as Public Act 26-127. Connecticut is the 6th US state to legalize plug-in solar.
Current Status: Signed Into Law — Public Act 26-127 (May 20, 2026)
Last Updated: May 20, 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)