Is balcony solar legal in Connecticut?
Short answer · In force
Yes, since October 1, 2026. Connecticut Public Act 26-127 lets you use one portable solar device per meter, up to 1,200 W through a 120-volt outlet, with no utility approval or fee.
Last checked: · Law: HB 5340 (2026), Public Act 26-127, sections 9-10
What the law says
| Status | Signed by the Governor June 4, 2026 (Public Act 26-127) law text |
|---|---|
| In force | October 1, 2026 (sections 9-10) law text |
| Size limit | Maximum power output of 1,200 W; one exempt device behind a customer's meter law text |
| How it connects | A 120-volt AC outlet behind the meter; not permanently affixed law text |
| Certification | UL or equivalent NRTL certification AND UL 1741; must meet the State Building Code, NEC and IEEE 1547 law text |
| Consumer warning | Must carry a warning that generation above your use will be charged to you unless your meter allows net metering law text |
| Utility approval | Not required; no fee except charges incurred through use; no extra equipment law text |
| Codes | Not exempt from the State Building Code, Fire Safety Code or local ordinances law text |
| Landlords / HOAs | Not addressed in the act summary 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.
Where sources disagree
One tracker gives May 20 as the signing date; that is the Public Act number date. The bill status page shows the Governor signed on June 4, 2026.
Sources
- Connecticut General Assembly: HB 5340 status official
- OLR Public Act Summary PA 26-127 (PDF) official
- Public Act 26-127 text (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 Connecticut: savings calculator.
This page quotes the rule; it is not legal or electrical advice.