Plug-In Solar in Maine — Legal
Bill: LD 1730 — An Act to Make Small Plug-in Solar Generation Devices Accessible for All Maine Residents to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis
Sponsor: Sen. Nicole Grohoski
Legislative Status: Signed into law by Governor Janet Mills (D) on April 6, 2026. Maine is the second state to enact plug-in solar legislation, joining Utah. Virginia's bill is awaiting the governor's signature.
Current Status: Signed into Law — April 6, 2026
Last Updated: April 7, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 27.9¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $300/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 9¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.3 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Allows plug-in solar devices up to 1,200W for all retail electricity customers. Two-tier structure: systems ≤420W are DIY-allowed with no utility notification; systems >420W require a licensed electrician and utility notification within 30 days. First US state law to reference UL 3700 by name. Applies to renters and homeowners alike.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | July 15, 2026 (on or after) |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200W AC output (420W without electrician, up to 1,200W with licensed electrician and dedicated circuit) |
| UL 3700 | referenced — Referenced but not required (UL 3700, comparable standard, or NEC compliance) |
| HOA Provision | Not explicitly addressed regarding bans, but requires compliance with state or local building, fire, or zoning codes. |
| Renter Provision | Renters can install systems but are responsible for structural and code compliance and restoring the structure upon removal. |
| Utility Approval | Waived (no prior approval, interconnection application, agreement, study, or fees required) |
| Permit Required | Not addressed (the law does not explicitly mention electrical permits, but implies compliance with local codes) |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Prohibited for net energy billing (may not be used for net energy billing pursuant to sections 3209-A and 3209-B) |
| Key Differences | Maine's law provides a tiered approach to wattage limits, allowing up to 420W without an electrician and up to 1,200W with a licensed electrician and dedicated circuit. It explicitly waives utility approval and interconnection requirements for eligible systems. The law also clearly outlines responsibilities for renters regarding structural and code compliance. |
| Notable Omissions | The law does not explicitly address HOA restrictions or bans on plug-in solar systems, focusing instead on structural and code compliance. It also does not explicitly state whether electrical permits are required or waived, deferring to state or local building, fire, or zoning codes. |
What You Can Do
Install plug-in solar devices up to 1,200W. Systems ≤420W can be self-installed with no utility notification required. Systems >420W require a licensed electrician and utility notification within 30 days. No interconnection permit needed for either tier.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Systems above 1,200W are not covered by the permit exemption. Systems >420W require a licensed electrician — self-installation is not permitted for larger systems. Safety standards being finalized by the Public Utilities Commission.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Maine solar property tax exemption excludes solar equipment value from property tax. Net Energy Billing (NEB) provides kWh credits for excess solar generation. No active state cash rebate program in 2026. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Maine Net Energy Billing (NEB) — MPUC — Earn kWh credits for excess solar generation to offset future bills.
- Maine Solar Property Tax Exemption — Maine Revenue Services — Solar and wind energy equipment exempt from property tax if energy used on-site or credited through utility.
- DSIRE — Maine Solar Incentives — Full list of Maine state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,363,000 |
| Total Households | 596,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 427,000 |
| Renter-Occupied | 169,000 |
| Single-Family Homes | 407,000 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 61,000 |
| Median Household Income | $74,174 |
| Median Home Value | $317,700 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.15 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 40° |
| Optimal Azimuth | South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1219 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Central Maine Power | ~650000 customers | Yes |
| Versant Power | ~165000 customers | Yes |
| Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative | ~12700 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Plug-in solar is coming to Maine with Janet Mills' approval — Portland Press Herald (April 6, 2026)
- Maine legislators vote to legalize plug-in solar — Maine Public Radio (April 7, 2026)
- Maine becomes second state to pass plug-in solar legislation — PV Magazine USA (April 3, 2026)