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Is plug-in solar legal in Michigan?
Bill pending HB 5764
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (HB 5764) has been introduced in Michigan but has not become law.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Category 1 certified inverter <=20 kW
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $50
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Category 1 certified inverter <=20 kW), typical fee $50.
- 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 5764 this year: Introduced 3/18/2026; House Energy Committee; no hearing as of Aug 2026; alive through Dec 2026 lame duck.
What the rules say
Michigan's HB 5764 is in committee; DTE/Consumers interconnection rules apply.
Before you plug in: Michigan checklist
- The rule that applies is Michigan Public Service Commission's interconnection process: MPSC Electric Interconnection and DG Standards (R 460.1001 et seq.).
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Category 1 certified inverter <=20 kW). Consumers $50; DTE not retrieved.
- Permits: Local permit; homeowner may pull own; 2023 NEC.
- 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: Inflow/outflow: outflow at power-supply component (~half retail).
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch HB 5764: Introduced 3/18/2026; House Energy Committee; no hearing as of Aug 2026; alive through Dec 2026 lame duck.
The rules in detail
Michigan has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is HB 5764). Average residential electricity price: 23.05¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Bill status: in committee.
- Sponsor: Rep. Will Snyder.
- Utilities: Introduced Mar 18, 2026.
Your utility's rules in Michigan
No utility in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| DTE Electric | 2,067,779 | No specific statement; Rider 18 'adds no fees beyond the standard interconnection fees'. source |
| Consumers Energy | 1,657,843 | No specific statement; DG application review fee $50. source |
| Great Lakes Energy | 120,645 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Michigan Public Service Commission. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | MPSC Electric Interconnection and DG Standards (R 460.1001 et seq.). |
| Smallest tier | Category 1 certified inverter <=20 kW. |
| Application fee | Consumers $50; DTE not retrieved. |
| Electrician / permit | Local permit; homeowner may pull own; 2023 NEC. |
| Export compensation | Inflow/outflow: outflow at power-supply component (~half retail). |
| Electrical code | 2023 NEC (commercial 3/12/2024; residential 8/29/2025). |
In practice
- Cheap Category 1 process but outflow credit ~half retail.
- Bill alive through December 2026 lame duck.
Plug-in solar bills in Michigan, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 5764 | Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), bipartisan cosponsors | Introduced 3/18/2026; House Energy Committee; no hearing as of Aug 2026; alive through Dec 2026 lame duck. | <=1,200 W 120 V outlet; no approval/fees; notify within 30 days. |
State incentives
- Property-tax exemption for DG <=150 kW (2023 PA 203).
- No credit or sales-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Michigan Environmental Council
- Michigan EIBC
- Sierra Club Michigan (not confirmed)
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Michigan
Adjust for your setup →≈ $184/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Michigan?
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (HB 5764) has been introduced in Michigan but has not become law.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Michigan?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Roughly 800 kWh and about $184 per year at Michigan's average residential rate of 23.05¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.