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Is plug-in solar legal in Maine?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect (2026-07-29)
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Plug a certified kit of up to 1,200 W into a standard outlet without a utility interconnection agreement.
- Install after the required notice (only above 420 w); no approval or fee.
- Install up to 420 W yourself with no wiring changes or listing paperwork.
- Point to the law if a landlord or HOA tries an outright ban: No override; customer must not compromise non-owned structure or violate codes and must restore on removal.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Get paid for power you export; size the kit to your daytime use.
- Go above 420 W without a licensed electrician, a dedicated circuit and a utility notice.
- Use an uncertified marketplace inverter; it is outside the law and unsafe.
What the rules say
Maine's law has been in force since July 29, 2026. Up to 420 W of combined inverter output per address is do-it-yourself with no paperwork. From 420 W to 1,200 W you need a licensed electrician, a dedicated single-outlet circuit, and a notice to your utility within 30 days of installation. Exports are not credited.
Before you plug in: Maine checklist
- Keep the system at or under 1,200 W of inverter output; at or under 420 W you also avoid the wiring and listing rules that apply to bigger units.
- Buy a kit whose certification matches the law (UL 3700 or equivalent). Check the label, not the marketing copy.
- Tell your utility: Only above 420 W. Only for >420 W: within 30 days of installation on PUC-prescribed form (address, inverter capacity, compliance statement).
- Renting or in an HOA? No override; customer must not compromise non-owned structure or violate codes and must restore on removal.
- Plug into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip, and keep shared-circuit kits under about 400 W.
The rules in detail
| Law | LD 1730: An Act to Make Small Plug-in Solar Generation Devices Accessible for All Maine Residents |
|---|---|
| Signed | April 6, 2026 |
| Effective | July 29, 2026 |
| Max system size | 1,200 W |
| Certification | UL 3700 listing/certification, OR comparable NRTL standard, OR configured per NEC adopted by Electricians' Examining Board; inverter shuts off after 0.2 s. |
| Utility notice / approval | Only for >420 W: within 30 days of installation on PUC-prescribed form (address, inverter capacity, compliance statement). |
| Permit / electrician | Licensed electrician required above 420 W combined. |
| Exported power | May not be used for net energy billing (3209-A/3209-B); no compensation. |
| Renters & HOAs | No override; customer must not compromise non-owned structure or violate codes and must restore on removal. |
| Avg. electricity price | 32.41¢ per kWh |
- Sponsor: Sen. Nicole Grohoski.
- Outlet / circuit: standard electrical outlet; >420 W requires dedicated circuit with a single outlet.
- Utility liability: T&D utility not liable (3475(7)).
- Still pending: PUC to prescribe notification form (for >420 W systems); no effective-date gate.
Legislative background
- CMP/Versant stance not reported.
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Maine
Adjust for your setup →≈ $270/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Maine?
Yes. Maine has a plug-in solar law in force allowing systems up to 1,200 W (LD 1730).
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Maine?
Above 420 W only. The statute says: Licensed electrician required above 420 W combined. A dedicated circuit is still a sensible safety practice.
Do I have to tell my utility in Maine?
Only above 420 W. Only for >420 W: within 30 days of installation on PUC-prescribed form (address, inverter capacity, compliance statement).
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Maine?
Roughly 832 kWh and about $270 per year at Maine's average residential rate of 32.41¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.
Can my landlord or HOA stop me in Maine?
No override; customer must not compromise non-owned structure or violate codes and must restore on removal.