This Week in Energy

The latest on
balcony solar
across America.

Legislation updates, rate changes, and incentive deadlines - updated every week. Sol Country tracks every state so you don't have to.

Legislation · Breaking
September 30, 2026

GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS CALIFORNIA SB 868 INTO LAW

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plug and Play Solar Act on September 30, 2026, making California the 10th state with a signed balcony solar law. SB 868 covers systems up to 1,200W, removes utility interconnection approval, allows only simple utility notification, and requires UL certification with auto-shutoff. It takes effect January 1, 2027 and the interconnection exemption sunsets January 1, 2030. The law does not override landlords or HOAs and provides no export credit unless the customer already has rooftop solar with a bidirectional meter. Source: California Legislature, SB 868.

See California law details → →
10
states signed
National
August 2026

IEEE SPECTRUM COVERS US BALCONY SOLAR — CALLS LEGISLATION WAVE 'ONE OF THE FASTEST TECHNOLOGY ADOPTIONS IN RECENT MEMORY'

IEEE Spectrum, the flagship publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers — the world's largest professional engineering organization — published a major feature on US balcony solar in late July 2026. The piece noted that "the US embrace of this technology happened so fast that legalization has raced ahead of regulations needed to make sure it works safely" — validating Sol Country's emphasis on the certified-vs-legal distinction. IEEE Spectrum described UL 3700 as the safety standard that helped "address utility and regulator concerns" about plug-in solar systems. Source: IEEE Spectrum, July 2026.

Why legal and code-compliant aren't the same thing → →
Legislation
July 31, 2026

CALIFORNIA SB 868 HEADS TO ASSEMBLY FLOOR WITH STRONG MOMENTUM

Historical update: California's SB 868 — the Plug and Play Solar Act — had advanced through the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee 18-0 by July 31. Governor Newsom later signed it on September 30, 2026, making California the 10th state with a signed balcony solar law. Sources: pv-magazine USA, June 2026; Senator Wiener press release; California Legislature, SB 868.

See California details → →
National
July 2026

ECOFLOW STREAM LAUNCHES FOR US APARTMENTS — AVAILABLE IN UTAH AND MARYLAND

EcoFlow has launched STREAM, a plug-in solar system designed specifically for US apartments and condos. Available in two versions: the STREAM Microinverter ($299 early-bird) for customers with existing panels, and the STREAM Ultra ($1,199 early-bird) which includes 1.92 kWh of integrated battery storage alongside the solar microinverter. STREAM is currently available in Utah and Maryland only. EcoFlow has confirmed plans to expand availability as more states pass balcony solar legislation. UL 3700 certification is in progress. Sources: The Gadgeteer, May 2026; EcoFlow press materials.

See the balcony solar marketplace → →
Legislation · Breaking
July 3, 2026

NEW HAMPSHIRE SIGNS SB 540 — 8TH STATE TO LEGALIZE BALCONY SOLAR

Governor Kelly Ayotte signed SB 540 into law on July 3, 2026, making New Hampshire the 8th state to legalize plug-in solar. New Hampshire joins Colorado, Maryland, Maine, Virginia, Utah, Connecticut, and Vermont. New York remains the only state where the legislature has passed a balcony solar bill awaiting a governor's signature.

Full New Hampshire guide → →
Legislation · Breaking
June 16, 2026

VERMONT SIGNS S.202 - 7TH STATE TO LEGALIZE BALCONY SOLAR

Vermont became the 7th state to sign balcony solar legislation into law. S.202 takes effect July 1, 2026. At Vermont's electricity rate of approximately $0.210/kWh, an 800W kit is projected to save Vermont renters around $182 per year with an approximately 4-year payback period.

Full Vermont guide → →
Legislation
June 4, 2026

CONNECTICUT SIGNED - BALCONY SOLAR LEGAL OCT 1, 2026

Governor Ned Lamont signed HB 5340 into law on June 4, 2026 - making Connecticut the 6th state to legalize plug-in solar. The RRES successor program begins July 1, 2026, and portable solar device protections take effect October 1, 2026. At $0.286/kWh Connecticut has the second-highest electricity rate in the continental US - an 800W system saves ~$195/year.

See Connecticut details →
Legislation
June 2026

WASHINGTON AND NEW JERSEY BILLS STALLED IN 2026 SESSION

Washington's plug-in solar exemption was stripped from a broader energy bill before passage. New Jersey's bill also stalled. Both states are expected to reintroduce legislation in 2027. Sol Country waitlists remain open for both states.

Track all states →
Legislation
June 2026

NEW YORK AWAITING GOVERNOR SIGNATURE - WHAT IT MEANS FOR RENTERS

New York's SUNNY Act has passed both chambers of the legislature and awaits only Governor Hochul's signature. New York's 19 million renter households would be the largest market yet to gain plug-in solar rights.

Track all states →
Rate changes
June 2026

XCEL FILES FOR 9.9% RATE INCREASE - COLORADO SOLAR SAVINGS JUST GOT BIGGER

Xcel Energy has filed for a 9.9% residential rate increase effective August 2026. For Colorado renters waiting for HB26-1007, this means balcony solar savings will be higher than originally estimated when the law takes effect January 1, 2027.

See Colorado savings →
Legislation
June 2026

UL 3700 — SIX MONTHS IN, WHICH KITS ARE PURSUING CERTIFICATION

UL 3700 was published December 2025. Six months in, no plug-in balcony solar product has completed the full system certification — first certifications are expected late 2026. CraftStrom, APsystems, EcoFlow, and Bright Saver are among manufacturers pursuing UL 3700. Sol Country tracks status per kit.

See UL 3700 status by kit →
Legislation · Breaking
June 1, 2026

New York SUNNY Act passes legislature - awaits Governor Hochul

The New York State Legislature passed the SUNNY Act on June 1, 2026, clearing both chambers. Governor Hochul's signature would make balcony solar legal for New York's 19 million renter households.

See New York details →
Legislation
May 12, 2026

Maryland balcony solar law is effective now

Governor Wes Moore signed HB 1532 with an emergency clause on May 12, 2026 - making balcony solar legal in Maryland immediately. No utility approval required for systems under 391W.

See Maryland details →
Legislation
May 2026

California SB 868 advanced with 14-0 committee vote

Historical update: California's SB 868 passed the Senate Energy Committee 14-0 in May. Governor Newsom later signed the bill on September 30, 2026.

See the signed California law →
Incentives
June 2026

EV charger tax credit expired June 30 - closed

The federal 30C EV charger tax credit expired June 30, 2026. The credit is no longer available on new installations. Utility rebates on Level 2 chargers remain active in many areas.

Shop EV chargers →