GreenLight / Maine

Plug-in solar in Maine

Plug-in solar: a small solar kit that plugs into a regular outlet (sometimes called balcony solar). Here is what Maine's law says, in plain terms; the glossary at the bottom decodes any jargon.

Under review. These details are seeded from research and are being verified against the enrolled bill text; treat them as unconfirmed until this notice goes away.

Checked as of August 26, 2026, the date this page was generated.

Legal status	enacted
Law	LD 1730
Signed into law	April 6, 2026
When it takes effect for you	July 1, 2026. The exact date is still being verified against the official text.
Power cap	1200 watts (roughly 3 large panels). Up to 420 watts you can install yourself; the full 1,200 watts requires an electrician and a dedicated circuit.
What you can legally buy	Depends how you read the law: the new plug-in solar certification (UL 3700) or something comparable -- vendors disagree. The smaller 420W self-install tier is the simpler path.
The law's exact terms	UL 3700 or comparable, or NEC path (vendors disagree on the reading)
Can you buy a qualifying system today?	No: no complete system is UL 3700 certified yet. The homepage feed alerts when that changes.
Do you have to tell your utility?	Only above 420 watts: then you must give your electric utility 30 days' notice. The registry lists no notice requirement at or below 420 watts.
What about renters and HOAs?	The law is silent on renters and homeowners associations (HOAs): it does not grant you protections, and it does not take any away. Your lease or HOA rules still decide, so ask your landlord or HOA before you buy.

Sources

enrolled bill text of LD 1730. Covers every fact on this page. We have not yet linked the official text; this page stays marked under review until our verification pass confirms it.

What do these terms mean? (plain-English glossary)

Plug-in solar	A small solar kit you plug into a regular wall outlet -- no electrician, no roof crew. Sometimes called "balcony solar."
UL	A big safety-testing company. Their logo is on your toaster and power strips. When a lab like UL "certifies" a product, it means they tested it and vouch for it.
NRTL	Short for "Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory" -- any safety lab the government has accredited to certify products. UL is the famous one.
UL 3700	A brand-new safety standard written specifically for plug-in solar kits. Several state laws say: you can plug in, but only a kit certified to this standard. No kit has that certification yet -- which is exactly what this site watches for.
NEC	The National Electrical Code -- the rulebook electricians follow.
"Certified" vs "compliant"	Certified = an independent lab tested it and lists it. "Compliant" or "designed to meet" = the manufacturer's own claim. Not the same thing; we only count certified.
Watts (W)	How much power the kit can make. 1,200 W is roughly two to three large panels -- enough to cover a fridge plus some electronics while the sun shines.
Takes effect	The date a signed law actually starts to apply. A law can be signed months before you can legally plug in, so the state pages show both dates.
Utility notice	Some state laws make you tell your electric utility (the company you pay for power) about your kit. Each state page answers "do you have to tell your utility?" in plain terms.
Renters and HOAs	HOA is short for homeowners association -- the body that enforces the rules in some neighborhoods and condo buildings. A state law can protect renters and HOA residents who want plug-in solar, or it can say nothing. When it says nothing, your lease or HOA rules still decide -- ask your landlord or HOA before you buy.