New Hampshire

NH

SB 540-FN — Relative to Plug-In Solar Devices

Awaiting Signature
Current Status
Last verified: May 12, 2026

Legislative Status

Passed both chambers May 12, 2026. Now on Governor Kelly Ayotte's desk. New Hampshire is the 7th state where lawmakers have sent a plug-in solar bill to the governor.

Sponsored by: Sen. David Watters

Legislation Progress

Awaiting Governor's Signature

92%

pipeline complete

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

Passage Likelihood

85%

Passed both chambers May 12, 2026. Governor Ayotte (R) has not released a public statement on the bill. NH has the highest electricity rates in the continental US ($0.281/kWh), creating strong consumer pressure to sign.

Session Deadline

June 30, 2026

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

On Governor Ayotte's desk as of May 12, 2026. Note: building code provisions are contingent on a nationally recognized standard being certified — this may delay full implementation until 2029 or later when the next NEC is published.

New Hampshire Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate28.1¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
10¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$270/yr
Last UpdatedMay 12, 2026
Calculate NH Savings
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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.

Effective DateJanuary 1, 2027
Wattage Limit1,200 watts AC inverter output
UL 3700Referenced
PermitRequired (compliance with state building code and manufacturer instructions; building code review board to update codes)
Utility ApprovalWaived
UL 3700 DetailsReferenced but not required (rules shall not exceed applicable test standards of Underwriters Laboratory (UL))
Net MeteringExempt from interconnection requirements and net metering
What Makes This State Unique

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 Gaps

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 This Means for You

What You Can Do

If signed: install up to 1,200W without Eversource or Unitil approval or fees. No interconnection agreement required.

Current Limitations

Law not yet signed. Building code provisions may not take effect until a nationally recognized standard (NEC 2029 or similar) is certified. Eversource and Unitil currently require interconnection agreements.

Official Bill Reference

Passed Both Chambers — Awaiting Governor Ayotte Signature (May 12, 2026)
View Full Bill Text — SB 540-FN

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

New Hampshire State Overview

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

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.61 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt43°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)950 kWh/yr
Best MonthsApril–September

New Hampshire receives an average of 4.61 peak sun hours per day. Optimal tilt angle is around 43 degrees, and optimal azimuth is Due South (180°).

Major Utilities
Eversource
~71% customers
Net metering
Liberty Utilities
~6% customers
Net metering
Unitil
~10% customers
Net metering
New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC)
~11% customers
Net metering

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 Income
$97,000
Median Home Value
$440,000

29% of New Hampshire households are renter-occupied — approximately 166,230 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.

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 New Hampshire.

'Balcony solar' is popular all over the place (including NH)

Granite Geek / Concord MonitorFebruary 28, 2026

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

Canary MediaFebruary 2026