Connecticut just gave you the right to own your power.
Governor Ned Lamont signed HB 5340 (Public Act 26-127) into law on June 4, 2026. The bill's portable-solar device provisions (Section 9) take effect October 1, 2026, making plug-in balcony solar up to 1,200W legal statewide without utility approval. The broader RRES successor program proceeding begins July 1, 2026. 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.
Where will yours go?
Hang one or two panels from your balcony railing using UL-listed rail-mount hardware.
Plug-in to a standard 120V outlet within reach of the inverter cable (typically 10-25 ft).
No drilling, no roof access, no permit if you're under your state's no-approval tier.
Law specifics
Eversource programs
- Standard tier: $250 per ton
- Energy Optimization tier: $1,000 per ton (up to $10,000 combined)
An HPIN certified contractor is required for Energy Optimization tier rebates. Find HPIN contractors at energizect.com.
On financing: the Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loan is 1.99% APR (as of August 1, 2026) — the 0.99% rate ran through March 2026. Smart-E Loan terms are revised periodically. Confirm current rate at ctgreenbank.com/smarteloan before applying — rates may have changed.
Source: NuWatt Energy Connecticut guide, August 2026; ctgreenbank.com.
Connecticut participates in the $450 million five-state Heat Pump Accelerator launched February 2026 (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire). This supplements Connecticut's existing programs rather than replacing them. Ask your installer about Accelerator-funded incentives when requesting quotes.
Source: NuWatt Energy Connecticut guide, August 2026.
Energize CT + federal HEAR
Strong programs · HEAR pendingEnergize CT is active now — up to $10,000 for a heat pump. Federal HEAR (up to $8,000, income-based) is still preparing.
On financing: 1.99% APR (as of August 1, 2026) — the 0.99% rate ran through March 2026. Smart-E Loan terms are revised periodically. Confirm current rate at ctgreenbank.com/smarteloan before applying — rates may have changed. Full breakdown of both programs, income tiers, and how they stack:
Full 2026 heat pump rebate guide →State alerts · No spam
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Need to notify your landlord or HOA? Generate your letter.
Statute-accurate template that cites Connecticut’s law by bill number and effective date. Emailed as PDF.
Generate my Connecticut letter →Section 9 (portable solar devices) takes effect October 1, 2026 - that's when you can plug in a balcony solar kit without utility approval. Section 1 (RRES successor program) takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill does not address landlord or HOA restrictions; if your landlord objects, the law is not yet on your side.
Public Act 26-127 (HB 5340) takes effect in two stages. The RRES successor program proceeding begins July 1, 2026. The portable solar device protections - including no utility approval or interconnection agreement - take effect October 1, 2026.
The enrolled bill does not address landlord or HOA restrictions. If your landlord objects, the law is not yet on your side. Sol Country recommends proceeding only if your landlord is supportive, or waiting for a future bill that adds rental protections.
Verified against the enrolled bill text at cga.ct.gov (Public Act 26-127, HB 5340) on August 18, 2026.
Connecticut plug-in solar
is legal.
Kits legal under
HB 5340 / Public Act 26-127.
Plug-in solar kits within Connecticut's legal limit (1,200W). UL-listed components; UL 3700 system certification pending across the category.
Sol Country Exclusive
CRAFTSTROM KITS
US-focused plug-in solar with UL-listed components and UL 3700 system certification in progress.
CraftStrom current promotion
20% off all kits — available to all customers on craftstrom.com
Sol Country exclusive — extra
Additional 5% off when you book an advisor call + use code SOLCOUNTRY5
Combined saving: 25% off for Sol Country visitors who book an advisor call.
| Kit | Approx. full price | After 20% (everyone) | After extra 5% (Sol Country) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800W | ~$1,900 | ~$1,520 | ~$1,444 |
| 1,200W | ~$2,400 | ~$1,920 | ~$1,824 |
| 1,600W | ~$3,000 | ~$2,400 | ~$2,280 |
| 2,000W | ~$3,600 | ~$2,880 | ~$2,736 |
The 20% reduction is CraftStrom's current site-wide promotion. The additional 5% requires booking an advisor call and using code SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout.
Certification status: CraftStrom (UL certified — Sol Country is verifying the specific certification level against UL 3700 system requirements. Check craftstrom.com for current certification documentation.) Some sources describe CraftStrom as ETL listed to UL 1741 and IEEE 1547, which is not the same as UL 3700 system certification. We'll update this note as soon as CraftStrom confirms directly.
1. Book your free advisor call
Visit CraftStrom's site and book a free advisor call. Their team can answer installation-specific questions, help you pick the right wattage for your space, and confirm which tier applies under your state's law. The 20% discount applies automatically on their site.
2. Use code SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout
After your advisor call, enter SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout for an additional 5% off the already-discounted price.
Choose your kit below, then use the advisor booking popup on CraftStrom's site to schedule your call — apply code SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout for the extra 5%.
Sol Country earns a commission on CraftStrom purchases made with code SOLCOUNTRY5. The 20% site-wide discount is offered by CraftStrom to all customers. The additional 5% is Sol Country's exclusive arrangement. Neither discount affects Sol Country's product recommendations — we recommend CraftStrom because it's a complete, UL-certified plug-in kit sold directly in the US, not because of this arrangement. CraftStrom (UL certified — Sol Country is verifying the specific certification level against UL 3700 system requirements. Check craftstrom.com for current certification documentation.)
No balcony?
No problem.
Community solar may be available in Connecticut - no equipment, no installation, $0 upfront.
Connecticut incentives
stacked.
Federal residential solar credit (Section 25D) is no longer available for owned residential systems placed in service after Dec 31, 2025. Section 48E remains available for leased / third-party-owned systems through Dec 31, 2027.
See what's legal
at your address.
Sol Country checks your address, utility territory, and state law to show every solar option available to you today.
FIND MY POWER →Balcony solar laws in other states
Track where plug-in solar stands across the U.S. - passed, awaiting signature, or advancing through committee.
- Colorado balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB26-1007
- Maine balcony solar lawLaw passed · LD 1730
- Maryland balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB 1532
- New Hampshire balcony solar lawLaw passed · SB 540
- Utah balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB340
- Vermont balcony solar lawLaw passed · S.202
- Virginia balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB395
- Arizona balcony solar bill2026 session closed · Previously advancing
Sol Pro members save 15-20% on all products and get monitored alerts when programs change at their address. Start free trial →