Maine

ME

LD 1730 — An Act to Make Small Plug-in Solar Generation Devices Accessible for All Maine Residents to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis

Permitted
Current Status
Last verified: April 7, 2026

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.

Sponsored by: Sen. Nicole Grohoski

Legislation Progress

Enacted — Signed into Law

100%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Expected Timeline

Signed April 6, 2026. Public Utilities Commission to establish safety standards. Law takes effect 90 days after signing.

Maine Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate27.9¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
9¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$270/yr
Last UpdatedApril 7, 2026
Calculate ME Savings
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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.

Effective DateJuly 15, 2026 (on or after)
Wattage Limit1,200W AC output (420W without electrician, up to 1,200W with licensed electrician and dedicated circuit)
UL 3700Referenced
PermitNot addressed (the law does not explicitly mention electrical permits, but implies compliance with local codes)
Utility ApprovalWaived (no prior approval, interconnection application, agreement, study, or fees required)
UL 3700 DetailsReferenced but not required (UL 3700, comparable standard, or NEC compliance)
HOA / DeedNot explicitly addressed regarding bans, but requires compliance with state or local building, fire, or zoning codes.
RentersRenters can install systems but are responsible for structural and code compliance and restoring the structure upon removal.
Net MeteringProhibited for net energy billing (may not be used for net energy billing pursuant to sections 3209-A and 3209-B)
What Makes This State Unique

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 Gaps

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 This Means for You

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.

Current Limitations

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.

Official Bill Reference

Signed into Law — April 6, 2026
View Full Bill Text — LD 1730

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Maine State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.15 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt40°
Best FacingSouth (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,219 kWh/yr
Best MonthsMay–August

Maine has a good solar resource, especially in the southern parts of the state. Snowfall can impact production, but panels are often tilted to shed snow.

Major Utilities
Central Maine Power
~650000 customers
Net metering
Versant Power
~165000 customers
Net metering
Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative
~12700 customers
Net metering

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 Income
$74,174
Median Home Value
$317,700

28% of Maine households are renter-occupied — approximately 169,000 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.

Maine has a fully deregulated electricity market. You may be able to get plug-in solar bundled with your electricity plan through a Retail Energy Provider (REP) — potentially at lower cost than buying hardware outright.

Learn about REP partner offers →

Related Articles

In-depth guides and news about plug-in solar in Maine.

News6 min read

Breaking: Maine Becomes Second State to Legalize Plug-In Solar

Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1730 on April 6, 2026, making Maine the second US state to explicitly legalize plug-in solar, joining Utah. At 27.9¢/kWh — one of the highest rates in the country — the economics are compelling. Here's what the law does, who it helps, and what it means for the national movement.

News7 min read

Four States, One Month: The April 2026 Plug-In Solar Wave

Maine signed (April 6). Virginia signed (April 22). Maryland and Colorado are on governors' desks. April 2026 is the most consequential month in US plug-in solar policy history — here's what it all means.

News7 min read

Colorado Signs HB 26-1007 Into Law: The Highest US Plug-In Solar Limit at 1,920W

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.

News7 min read

New Hampshire SB 540: Plug-In Solar Bill Passes Both Chambers, Heads to Governor Ayotte

New Hampshire SB 540-FN passed both chambers on May 12, 2026 and is now on Governor Kelly Ayotte's desk. With the highest electricity rates in the continental US at $0.281/kWh, New Hampshire residents stand to save more per watt of plug-in solar than almost any other state.

News7 min read

Vermont S.202: Plug-In Solar Bill Passes Both Chambers, Senate Amendment Vote Pending

Vermont S.202 passed the House on May 6, 2026 with amendments. The Senate is now considering the House's proposal of amendment. If the Senate concurs, Vermont would become the 6th state to enact a plug-in solar law — at $0.248/kWh, one of the highest-rate states in New England.

News8 min read

Massachusetts H.5175: Plug-In Solar Bill Passes House 128–27, Now in Senate

Massachusetts H.5175 passed the House 128–27 on February 26, 2026, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on March 2. With the highest electricity rates in the continental US (~$0.33/kWh), Massachusetts residents stand to save $395+ per year from an 800W plug-in solar system.

News Coverage

Media coverage of plug-in solar developments in Maine.

Plug-in solar is coming to Maine with Janet Mills' approval

Portland Press HeraldApril 6, 2026

Maine legislators vote to legalize plug-in solar

Maine Public RadioApril 7, 2026

Maine becomes second state to pass plug-in solar legislation

PV Magazine USAApril 3, 2026