Is balcony solar legal in Colorado?
Short answer · In force
Yes. Colorado's HB26-1007 allows one portable-scale solar device per address up to 1,920 W, with no utility approval or fee. From January 1, 2027, HOAs and covenants can't unreasonably ban it.
Last checked: · Law: HB26-1007 (2026), C.R.S. 40-2-140
What the law says
| Status | Signed May 7, 2026; session law chapter 127 law text |
|---|---|
| In force | August 12, 2026; the HOA / covenant rules and the sales rule apply from January 1, 2027 law text |
| Size limit | A single photovoltaic system per address supplying not more than 1,920 W to the grid; one device per wall outlet per address law text |
| Certification | Labeled and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. From Jan 1, 2027 no one may sell, lease or rent a device over 391 W that is not UL labeled and listed law text |
| Utility notice | The utility MAY require you to notify it of the device and its size in kilowatts law text |
| Utility approval | Not required; no fee; no extra equipment beyond the device's UL listing law text |
| 391 W rule | Devices of 391 W or less are exempt from PV installation requirements in 40-2-128 and from code or listing provisions that would require rewiring law text |
| HOAs / covenants | From Jan 1, 2027, rules that unreasonably prohibit or restrict a device are void. Owners may set reasonable restrictions (prior notice, fire and overload safety, location) and may require it to be secured law text |
| Meter collars | The PUC must, by Dec 31, 2026, require utilities to list at least one approved meter collar adapter and approve compliant customer-owned adapters within 90 days law text |
law text = read in the bill, statute or an official government page. reported = from news or a tracker; we could not confirm it in an official source yet.
Installation must follow fire code and local building codes.
Where sources disagree
One tracker says Colorado's rules take effect January 1, 2027. The session law is effective August 12, 2026; only some parts start January 1, 2027.
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly: HB26-1007 bill page official
- HB26-1007 as signed (PDF) official
All sources read on 2026-11-03.
Before you plug in
- Check with your utility whether it wants a notice, and how (the rules above say what it may and may not ask).
- Renting or in an HOA? Read renters & HOAs and ask your landlord or board in writing.
- Buy a kit with a certification you can look up. See certified kits.
- Estimate what it saves in Colorado: savings calculator.
This page quotes the rule; it is not legal or electrical advice.