Plug-In Solar in New Hampshire — Legal
Bill: SB 540-FN (Chapter 89) — Relative to Plug-In Solar Devices
Sponsor: Sen. David Watters
Legislative Status: Signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte on May 28, 2026 as Chapter 89. Effective July 27, 2026. New Hampshire is the 7th US state to legalize plug-in solar.
Current Status: Signed Into Law — Chapter 89 (May 28, 2026, eff. July 27, 2026)
Last Updated: May 28, 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
Prohibits utilities from charging any extra fees or requiring prior approval for plug-in kits. Caps systems at 1,200 watts AC output per meter. Allows self-installation without a permit. Building code provisions take effect when a nationally recognized standard (e.g., NEC) authorizes plug-in solar connections. Signed into law May 28, 2026.
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
Install up to 1,200W without Eversource or Unitil approval or fees. No interconnection agreement required. Law effective July 27, 2026.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Building code provisions may not take effect until a nationally recognized standard (NEC 2029 or similar) is certified. Systems over 1,200W still require standard interconnection.
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)