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 |
| Permit Required | Not required by utilities; compliance with state building code (where applicable) and manufacturer instructions required |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Exempt from interconnection requirements and net metering |
| Key Differences | The law specifically defines 'portable solar generation device' and exempts it from traditional interconnection requirements and net metering. It also places a clear wattage limit and directs the state building code review board to amend codes for these devices. |
| Notable Omissions | The law does not explicitly address HOA restrictions or specific provisions for renters. While UL standards are referenced, UL 3700 is not specifically mandated. |
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
- '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)