Sol Country

Free · State-specific · Updated 2026

Landlord & HOA notification
letter generator

Generate a respectful, statute-accurate letter that cites your state’s balcony solar law by bill and effective date. Renter mode notifies your landlord or HOA. Landlord mode sets clear guidelines for your tenants.

Notify your landlord or HOA that you're installing balcony solar.

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This is an informational template, not legal advice. Sol Country is not a law firm. Review your lease and consult an attorney for your specific situation.

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July 29, 2026

Dear Property Manager,

I'm writing to notify you that I plan to install a plug-in balcony solar system at my residence. I want to keep you informed and share the details in advance so we can address any questions.

Virginia HB395 (effective March 1, 2026) permits plug-in solar systems up to 1,000W and preempts local-only bans. Utilities may not deny installation absent a legitimate safety concern.

My planned system is within Virginia's 1,000W limit and uses UL-listed equipment.

No structural modification is required. The system is portable and mounts to my balcony rail or patio.

System details: planned wattage , mounted at the balcony railing. Kit uses UL-listed components; UL 3700 system certification in progress.

I'm happy to provide the manufacturer specification sheet, UL certification documentation, and photos of the planned mounting method. Please let me know if you have questions or would like to discuss placement details.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

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This is an informational template, not legal advice. Sol Country is not a law firm. Review your lease and consult an attorney for your specific situation.
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This is an informational template, not legal advice. Sol Country is not a law firm. Review your lease and consult an attorney for your specific situation.

Renters’ rights, by state

What each signed state guarantees

HB26-1007 · Effective Jan 1, 2027

Colorado

First US state to pass explicit plug-in balcony solar legislation.

  • • Plug-in solar systems up to 1.2kW permitted without permit
  • • No utility interconnection agreement required for compliant kits
  • • Renters explicitly protected - landlords and HOAs cannot prohibit
Renter letter for Colorado →Landlord version →
HB 5340 / Public Act 26-127 · Effective Oct 1, 2026

Connecticut

Governor Ned Lamont signed HB 5340 (Public Act 26-127) into law on June 4, 2026 - making Connecticut the 6th state to legalize plug-in balcony solar. The law takes effect October 1, 2026 - sooner than Colorado's January 1, 2027 effective date. At $0.286/kWh, Connecticut has the second-highest electricity rate in the continental US - an 800W system saves ~$195/year, payback under 4 years.

  • • Plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W legal statewide
  • • No utility approval or interconnection agreement required
  • • Renter protections - landlords cannot prohibit compliant installations
Renter letter for Connecticut →Landlord version →
LD 1730 · Effective Jul 15, 2026

Maine

LD 1730 signed April 6, 2026 by Governor Janet Mills. Takes effect ~July 15, 2026 (90 days after legislature adjourns).

  • • 420W no-permit tier; up to 1,200W with certified electrician
  • • Tenant rights protections
  • • PUC required to publish standard installation guide
Renter letter for Maine →Landlord version →
HB 1532 · Effective Effective now

Maryland

Governor Wes Moore signed HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act) on May 12, 2026 with an emergency clause - plug-in solar is legal in Maryland today. Maryland is the 5th state to legalize plug-in solar.

  • • Systems up to 1,200W legal for renters and homeowners
  • • No utility approval or fees required
  • • Tiered UL certification - 391W and under exempt
Renter letter for Maryland →Landlord version →
SB 540 · Effective Confirming

New Hampshire

Governor Kelly Ayotte signed SB 540 into law on July 3, 2026 - making New Hampshire the 8th state to legalize plug-in balcony solar. Systems up to 1,200W are legal statewide.

  • • Plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W legal statewide
  • • No utility approval or interconnection agreement required
  • • UL-certified equipment required
Renter letter for New Hampshire →Landlord version →
HB340 · Effective May 2025

Utah

Second state to pass plug-in solar law; effective spring 2025.

  • • Plug-in solar up to 1.2kW exempted from interconnection
  • • Multi-family housing explicitly included
  • • UL 1741 SB compliance required
Renter letter for Utah →Landlord version →
S.202 · Effective Jul 1, 2026

Vermont

Governor Phil Scott signed S.202 into law on June 19, 2026 - making Vermont the 7th state to legalize plug-in balcony solar. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. At ~$0.210/kWh, an 800W system saves ~$182/year, payback under 4 years.

  • • Plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W legal statewide
  • • No utility approval or interconnection agreement required
  • • Renter protections - landlords cannot prohibit compliant installations
Renter letter for Vermont →Landlord version →
HB395 · Effective Mar 1, 2026

Virginia

Approved by Virginia legislature and signed by Governor, March 2026.

  • • Plug-in solar up to 1.0kW permitted
  • • Statewide preemption - no local-only bans
  • • Utility cannot deny unless legitimate safety concern
Renter letter for Virginia →Landlord version →