Vermont

VT

S. 202 / H. 598 — An Act Relating to Plug-In Solar Devices

Awaiting Signature
Current Status
Last verified: May 8, 2026

Legislative Status

S. 202 passed Senate 29-0 (January 2026). House passed with amendments May 6, 2026. Senate concurred with House amendments May 8, 2026. Now on Governor Phil Scott's desk.

Sponsored by: Sen. Christopher Bray

Legislation Progress

Awaiting Governor's Signature

92%

pipeline complete

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

Passage Likelihood

80%

Passed both chambers. Governor Phil Scott (R) has not signaled his intentions. Vermont has a Democratic legislature but a Republican governor who has occasionally vetoed progressive energy bills. Strong public support for the bill.

Session Deadline

May 8, 2026

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

On Governor Scott's desk as of May 8, 2026. Governor has 5 days (excluding Sundays) to sign, veto, or allow to become law without signature after adjournment.

Vermont Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate22.4¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
8¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$260/yr
Last UpdatedMay 8, 2026
Calculate VT Savings
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Key Provisions

Allows plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 watts per meter. Prohibits utilities from charging extra fees for certified devices. Allows self-installation without permits.

Effective DateJuly 1, 2026
Wattage Limit1,200 watts
UL 3700Required
PermitNot addressed
Utility ApprovalWaived
UL 3700 DetailsRequired
HOA / DeedDeed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements cannot prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting portable solar energy generation devices from being installed.
Net MeteringNot eligible for net metering; excess generation fed back into the grid shall not be compensated. Customers with a net metering system cannot also install a portable solar device.
What Makes This State Unique

The law specifically requires that portable solar energy generation devices only be connected to systems using smart meters. It also explicitly prohibits customers who already have a net metering system from installing a portable solar device.

Notable Gaps

The law does not explicitly address whether renters or tenants have the right to install these devices without landlord permission, focusing instead on property owners and deed restrictions. It also does not explicitly mention waiving electrical permits, though it waives interconnection agreements and utility approval.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

If signed: install up to 1,200W without Green Mountain Power or other utility approval or permits.

Current Limitations

Law not yet signed. Vermont utilities currently require interconnection agreements. Governor Scott's signature is still required.

Official Bill Reference

Passed Both Chambers — Awaiting Governor Scott Signature (May 8, 2026)
View Full Bill Text — S. 202 / H. 598

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Vermont State Overview

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

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.79 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,079 kWh/yr
Best MonthsApril–September

The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file. Results are based on assumptions that may not accurately represent technical characteristics of the project.

Major Utilities
Green Mountain Power
~275,000 customers
Net metering
Vermont Electric Cooperative
~33,000 customers
Net metering
Burlington Electric Department
~21,490 customers
Net metering
Washington Electric Cooperative
~10,000 customers
Net metering

Population
648,493
Total Households
273,416
Owner-Occupied
200,168
Renter-Occupied
73,248
Single-Family Homes
229,925
Apartment Units (5+)
36,618
Median Income
$81,203
Median Home Value
$316,600

27% of Vermont households are renter-occupied — approximately 73,248 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

Related Articles

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

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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.

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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.

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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 Vermont.

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