Plug-In Solar in Vermont — Legislation Pending
Bill: S. 202 / H. 598 — An Act Relating to Plug-In Solar Devices
Sponsor: Sen. Christopher Bray
Legislative Status: Passed both chambers May 26, 2026. House concurred with Senate's tenant notice amendment. Now on Governor Phil Scott's desk awaiting signature. Vermont legislature adjourned May 29, 2026.
Current Status: Passed Both Chambers — Awaiting Governor Scott's Signature (May 26, 2026)
Last Updated: May 26, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 22.4¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $228/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 8¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.1 |
| Retail Choice | none |
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. Requires UL 3700 certification. Tenants must give 10 days written notice to landlord before installing.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | July 1, 2026 |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | required — Explicitly required by name: the bill states devices must comply with "UL 3700 for plug-in photovoltaic systems by UL Solutions or an equivalent certification by an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory." Vermont is one of the first states to name UL 3700 directly in pending legislation. |
| HOA Provision | Deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements cannot prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting portable solar energy generation devices from being installed. |
| Renter Provision | Senate amendment (May 14, 2026) added a tenant notice provision: tenants must give 10 days written notice to their landlord before installing a plug-in solar device. The landlord may impose reasonable restrictions within 10 days, including requiring a licensed electrician. If the landlord does not respond within 10 days, the tenant may proceed. The landlord cannot be compelled to pay for any electrical work. |
| Utility Approval | Waived |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not 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. |
| Key Differences | 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 Omissions | The HOA provision focuses on deed restrictions and covenants for property owners. The bill does not explicitly waive electrical permits, though it waives interconnection agreements and utility approval. The tenant notice provision (added by Senate May 14, 2026) gives landlords the ability to impose reasonable restrictions. |
What You Can Do
Once signed: install up to 1,200W without Green Mountain Power or other utility approval or permits. Tenants must give 10 days written notice to landlord before installing.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet signed. Governor Scott has 30 days after adjournment (by ~June 28, 2026) to sign or veto. Vermont utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Vermont exempts solar systems from state sales tax (6%) and property tax. Green Mountain Power offers battery incentive programs. Net metering available through Vermont utilities. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Vermont Net Metering — PUC — Earn credits for excess solar generation sent to the grid.
- Vermont Solar Sales Tax Exemption — DSIRE — 6% state sales tax exempted on solar panel systems and installation.
- Vermont Solar Property Tax Exemption — Solar system value excluded from property tax assessment.
- DSIRE — Vermont Solar Incentives — Full list of Vermont state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| 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 Household Income | $81,203 |
| Median Home Value | $316,600 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.79 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1079 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain Power | ~275,000 customers | Yes |
| Vermont Electric Cooperative | ~33,000 customers | Yes |
| Burlington Electric Department | ~21,490 customers | Yes |
| Washington Electric Cooperative | ~10,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar bills in New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, and Illinois look on track to pass — Canary Media (February 2026)
- Plug-in solar bills surge across US states — Canary Media (February 2026)