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Is plug-in solar legal in Idaho?
Bill stalled (likely refiled 2027) H0612
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. Idaho considered a plug-in solar bill (H0612) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Residential <=25 kW
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $100
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Residential <=25 kW), typical fee $100.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on HB 612 this year: Referred to House State Affairs 2/11/2026; no hearing; died at adjournment 4/2/2026; deferred to 2027.
What the rules say
Idaho's H0612 advanced but did not pass in 2026; Idaho Power interconnection rules apply.
What happened in 2026. HB 612: Referred to House State Affairs 2/11/2026; no hearing; died at adjournment 4/2/2026; deferred to 2027.
Before you plug in: Idaho checklist
- The rule that applies is Idaho Public Utilities Commission's interconnection process: Idaho Power Schedule 68 interconnection / Schedules 6, 8, 84 on-site generation.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Residential <=25 kW). $100 non-refundable application fee (Idaho Power); $52 return-trip charge.
- Permits: Idaho Code 54-1016 licensed journeyman beyond combiner unless exempt; state/city inspection.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Net billing ECR 15.6836 c summer on-peak / 3.3920 c off-peak / 2.9019 c non-summer.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch HB 612: Referred to House State Affairs 2/11/2026; no hearing; died at adjournment 4/2/2026; deferred to 2027.
The rules in detail
Idaho has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is H0612). Average residential electricity price: 13.73¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
Your utility's rules in Idaho
No utility in Idaho publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Power | 525,751 | Links Idaho DBS bulletin 'warning about plug and play inverters'; FAQ: systems 'found interconnected without completing the application process must come into compliance or risk being permanently disconnected'. source |
| Avista | 128,226 | No specific statement. |
| Rocky Mountain Power | 74,170 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Idaho Public Utilities Commission. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | Idaho Power Schedule 68 interconnection / Schedules 6, 8, 84 on-site generation. |
| Smallest tier | Residential <=25 kW. |
| Application fee | $100 non-refundable application fee (Idaho Power); $52 return-trip charge. |
| Electrician / permit | Idaho Code 54-1016 licensed journeyman beyond combiner unless exempt; state/city inspection. |
| Export compensation | Net billing ECR 15.6836 c summer on-peak / 3.3920 c off-peak / 2.9019 c non-summer. |
| Electrical code | 2023 NEC (eff. 7/1/2024). |
| State guidance on plug-in devices | Idaho Division of Building Safety news release 2/19/2014: 'Plug and Play Grid Tie Inverters' are 'not listed by UL or any other NRTL, are not approved for use in Idaho or any other state under the NEC, and may present a serious electric shock hazard' (https://docs.idahopower.com/pdfs/BusinessToBusiness/PlugPlay_Inverters.pdf). |
In practice
- Dominant utility points to a state bulletin calling plug-and-play inverters unapproved and hazardous.
- Bill never got a committee hearing; 2027 bill needs Republican sponsor.
Plug-in solar bills in Idaho, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 612 | Rep. John Gannon (D-Boise); printed via State Affairs | Referred to House State Affairs 2/11/2026; no hearing; died at adjournment 4/2/2026; deferred to 2027. | <=1,200 W; new Idaho Code 61-122; IFF rated +1; press: 'power companies are in agreement'. |
State incentives
- Idaho residential alternative energy deduction (Idaho Code 63-3022C) - plug-in eligibility untested.
- No sales-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Idaho Conservation League (position: Review)
- Bright Saver
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Idaho
Adjust for your setup →≈ $127/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Idaho?
Not yet. Idaho considered a plug-in solar bill (H0612) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Idaho?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Idaho?
Default. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Idaho?
Roughly 928 kWh and about $127 per year at Idaho's average residential rate of 13.73¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.