For Landlords + Property Managers

The rules for your
rental property are
changing - state by state.

7 states have signed laws giving tenants the right to install balcony solar. Each state's specific rules differ. Sol Country helps you stay compliant and turn it into a competitive advantage - find your state below.

7 statesSigned laws as of June 2026
2 moreAwaiting signature
$199/yrSol Country Certified - nationwide
Find your stateWhat's generally trueYour 3-step planSolar-Ready certificationTenant resourcesGeneral FAQ
Start here

Find your state's specific
obligations.

Every signed state gives tenants the right to install compliant balcony solar - but the specific wattage tiers, certification requirements, and notice rules differ. Select your state for the exact details.

Signed - 7 states
Colorado →
Two tiers: 395W no-approval, 1,920W licensed electrician.
Full guide available
Maryland →
Two tiers: 391W no-UL, 1,200W with UL - already in effect.
Detailed guide coming soon
Connecticut →
Effective October 1, 2026.
Detailed guide coming soon
Maine →
Effective July 15, 2026.
Detailed guide coming soon
Virginia →
Effective January 1, 2027.
Detailed guide coming soon
Utah →
Already in effect.
Detailed guide coming soon
Vermont →
Effective July 1, 2026.
Detailed guide coming soon
Awaiting signature
New Hampshire
On governor's desk.
Watching - not yet law
New York
SUNNY Act awaiting Governor Hochul.
Watching - not yet law
Across every signed state

Four things that are
true everywhere - so far.

While exact wattage limits and requirements vary, every signed state shares these core principles. Always verify your specific state's details using the finder above before making compliance decisions.

Generally true
YOU CANNOT PROHIBIT IT
Every signed state prohibits landlords and HOAs from outright banning compliant plug-in solar installations.
Generally true
WATTAGE LIMITS VARY BY STATE
Most states cap systems between 1,200W and 1,920W. Some (Maryland, Colorado) have a lower no-approval tier around 391-400W plus a higher tier requiring a licensed electrician. Check your state for exact numbers.
Generally true
UTILITY APPROVAL: GENERALLY NOT REQUIRED
For standard outlet-connected systems, in every signed state. Setups using meter collar adapters may have different requirements - this varies, verify per state.
Generally true
REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ALLOWED
You can typically set reasonable, content-neutral restrictions on placement, aesthetics, and safety - but cannot use these to effectively ban installation.
Your 3-step plan

Three proactive steps -
works in any signed state.

Sol Country recommends landlords in any signed state take three proactive steps. Being prepared builds tenant trust and avoids disputes, regardless of your state's specific effective date. Select your state above for a state-specific lease addendum template.

01
UPDATE YOUR LEASE
Add a balcony solar addendum to your lease acknowledging your state's law and setting reasonable installation guidelines - panel placement, removal on move-out, damage liability.
02
SET PLACEMENT GUIDELINES
You can set reasonable restrictions on placement - not blocking walkways, not permanently attached to the building, matching aesthetic standards. Document these in writing.
03
COMMUNICATE WITH TENANTS
Proactively tell tenants about your state's law and your guidelines. Tenants who feel informed are less likely to dispute decisions about placement restrictions.
Sol Country Certified

Turn compliance into a
competitive advantage -
in any signed state.

Solar-conscious renters are among the most desirable tenants - higher income, longer tenancy, lower turnover. Sol Country Certified Solar-Ready buildings are listed in Sol Country's directory and shown to tenants searching for solar-friendly housing in any signed state.

Sol Country Certified
Solar-Ready Building
What certification includes:
✓Listed in Sol Country building directory
✓“Solar-Ready” badge for rental listings
✓Tenant solar guide provided to your residents
✓Priority placement in quiz results for your zip
✓Annual compliance update as laws evolve
✓Sol Country Certified digital certificate
$199/year per building
$149/year per building for 5+ unit portfolios
Available now for buildings in any signed state. Maryland and Utah landlords can certify today - your state's law is already in effect. Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Virginia, and Vermont landlords can certify now to be ready before your state's effective date. Early applicants receive the introductory rate.
For your tenants

Give your tenants the
tools they need.

Sol Country provides free resources for your tenants - saving you time answering questions about balcony solar.

Sol Country
FIND MY POWER QUIZ
Your tenants can run a free personalized analysis of their solar savings at their specific address. Share this link with your residents.
Sol Country
AI LANDLORD LETTER TOOL
Tenants who want to ask permission before installing can generate a professional letter in 30 seconds using Sol Country's AI tool.
See the tool →
Sol Country
BALCONY SOLAR 101 GUIDE
A complete guide to how balcony solar works, what kits are legal, and what tenants can expect to save.
View guide →
General landlord FAQ

Your questions
answered.

CAN I CHARGE TENANTS A FEE FOR INSTALLING SOLAR?+
Generally no - signed states prohibit charging solar-specific fees or deposits as a condition of installation. Standard security deposits already on the lease are unaffected. Exact language varies by state, so verify your state's bill text before adding any solar-specific charge.
WHAT WATTAGE LIMIT APPLIES?+
WHEN DOES THE LAW TAKE EFFECT?+
CAN I REQUIRE TENANTS TO REMOVE PANELS ON MOVE-OUT?+
WHAT IF A TENANT DAMAGES THE BUILDING DURING INSTALL?+
CAN MY HOA STILL PROHIBIT BALCONY SOLAR?+
DO TENANTS NEED TO NOTIFY ME?+
WHAT ABOUT METER COLLAR ADAPTERS?+

Find your state.
Stay ahead of the law.

7 states have signed - more are coming. Use the state finder above for your specific rules, or get Sol Country Certified to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Find my state →Get Sol Country Certified →Commercial solar options →