Plug-In Solar in New Hampshire — Legal
Bill: SB 540-FN (Chapter 262) — Relative to Plug-In Solar Devices
Sponsor: Sen. David Watters
Legislative Status: Signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte on July 2, 2026 as Chapter 262. The remainder of the act took effect July 2; section 3 follows its own statutory effective-date provision.
Current Status: Signed Into Law — Chapter 262 (July 2, 2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in New Hampshire?
Yes—New Hampshire has an enacted statewide pathway for qualifying plug-in solar devices under SB 540-FN (Chapter 262). The tracked framework lists a 1,200 watts AC inverter output 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 | 28.1¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $286/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 10¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.1 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Creates a framework for plug-in solar generation systems, including a 1,200W AC output limit per meter. SB 540-FN became Chapter 262 on July 2, 2026; the remainder of the act took effect July 2 while section 3 has its own statutory effective-date provision.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | July 27, 2026 (Chapter 89) |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts AC inverter output |
| UL 3700 | referenced — Referenced but not required (rules shall not exceed applicable test standards of Underwriters Laboratory (UL)) |
| Utility Approval | Waived — utilities cannot require prior approval, charge fees, or require additional equipment. |
| Permit Required | Not required by the law — explicitly exempt from interconnection requirements. Building code compliance required (the state building code review board must amend codes for portable solar devices), but no permit process is specified in the law. |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Exempt from interconnection requirements and net metering |
| Key Differences | New Hampshire's notification framework is entirely at the utility's discretion — utilities may (but are not required to) develop a post-installation notification method. This is the most permissive notification framework of any enacted state. Building code provisions are contingent on a nationally recognized standard being certified (NEC 2029 or similar), which may delay full implementation. |
| Notable Omissions | The law does not explicitly address HOA restrictions or specific provisions for renters. Building code provisions may not take effect until 2029 or later when the next NEC is published. |
What You Can Do
Use the enacted statutory framework for systems up to the stated limit, subject to the law's conditions and any applicable code, utility, and property requirements.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Do not assume that enactment removes all product, circuit, code, or property requirements. Systems outside the statute's conditions may be subject to other rules.
Available Rebates & Incentives
New Hampshire has no state sales tax — solar equipment purchases are fully tax-free. NEM 2.0 credits solar exports at ~85% of retail rate, locked through 2041. Property tax exemption available in ~66% of NH towns. Eversource offers a battery storage rebate ($230/kWh, up to $3,000). The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- New Hampshire Net Metering (NEM 2.0) — NH DOE — Credits solar exports at ~85% of retail rate; locked through 2041.
- Eversource NH — Home Battery Rebate — $230/kWh battery storage rebate, capped at $3,000 per system.
- DSIRE — New Hampshire Solar Incentives — Full list of NH state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,395,231 |
| Total Households | 574,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 407,770 |
| Renter-Occupied | 166,230 |
| Single-Family Homes | 388,775 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 93,730 |
| Median Household Income | $97,000 |
| Median Home Value | $440,000 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.61 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 43° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 950 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource | ~71% customers | Yes |
| Liberty Utilities | ~6% customers | Yes |
| Unitil | ~10% customers | Yes |
| New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) | ~11% customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Behind the Bill: How New Hampshire Built a Safety-First Pathway for Plug-In Solar — PlugInSolarUS (June 23, 2026)
- 'Balcony solar' is popular all over the place (including NH) — Granite Geek / Concord Monitor (February 28, 2026)
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in New Hampshire
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 NH setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in New Hampshire — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Behind the Bill: How New Hampshire Built a Safety-First Pathway for Plug-In Solar — Read the most relevant PlugInSolarUS article for New Hampshire.
- Review plug-in solar safety standards — Understand equipment certification and the safety checks that may apply to a grid-connected setup.