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Is plug-in solar legal in New Hampshire?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect (2027-01-01)
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Plan and buy now; from January 1, 2027 a certified kit of up to 1,200 W plugs in without an interconnection agreement.
- Use the ordinary interconnection process, or an off-grid portable kit, in the meantime.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug in under the new law before January 1, 2027; today the utility interconnection rules still apply.
- Get paid for exported power under the new law.
- Assume every kit qualifies: the law requires the certification shown above.
What the rules say
New Hampshire's law was signed July 2, 2026 but takes effect January 1, 2027. From then, one NRTL-certified system up to 1,200 W AC per metered customer plugs into a receptacle with no utility approval; a utility may ask you to report the wattage after installation. The building-code section only activates once the Department of Energy certifies a national safety standard, so check the DOE page before buying.
Before you plug in: New Hampshire checklist
- Wait for January 1, 2027. Until then the utility's normal interconnection rules still apply.
- Keep the system at or under 1,200 W of inverter output.
- Buy a kit whose certification matches the law (UL 3700 or equivalent). Check the label, not the marketing copy.
- Tell your utility: Within 30 days after. Optional: utility MAY develop method for customer to report wattage after installation; notification only.
- Renting or in an HOA? The law does not override your lease or covenants, so get written permission first.
- 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 | SB 540: Chapter 262, plug-in solar generation systems |
|---|---|
| Signed | July 2, 2026 |
| Effective | January 1, 2027 |
| Max system size | 1,200 W |
| Certification | Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to nationally recognized safety standards applicable to DER and plug-in solar systems (UL 3700 not named). |
| Utility notice / approval | Optional: utility MAY develop method for customer to report wattage after installation; notification only. |
| Permit / electrician | Installed and operated per state building code and manufacturer instructions (RSA 155-A:16, contingent). |
| Exported power | Silent; system intended exclusively to offset onsite consumption. |
| Avg. electricity price | 26.6¢ per kWh |
- Sponsor: Sen. David Watters (prime); Sens. Pearl, Avard, Rosenwald, Perkins Kwoka, Murphy, Altschiller; Rep. McGhee.
- Outlet / circuit: receptacle or other non-permanent wiring connection.
- Utility liability: EDU not liable for damage, injury, compensation or charges; claims vs manufacturer/installer/owner preserved (RSA 374:1-b).
- Still pending: building-code amendment effective only upon DOE commissioner certifying a nationally recognized standard exists; DOE consumer webpage; DOE rules per ANSI/UL/IEEE.
Legislative background
- Utilities want installed-capacity data; liability shield; DOE insurance warning.
Savings preview: 800 W kit in New Hampshire
Adjust for your setup →≈ $218/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in New Hampshire?
Almost. New Hampshire signed a plug-in solar law (SB 540) that takes effect on January 1, 2027, allowing systems up to 1,200 W.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in New Hampshire?
Not required by the law. The statute says: Installed and operated per state building code and manufacturer instructions (RSA 155-A:16, contingent). A dedicated circuit is still a sensible safety practice.
Do I have to tell my utility in New Hampshire?
Within 30 days after. Optional: utility MAY develop method for customer to report wattage after installation; notification only.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in New Hampshire?
Roughly 819 kWh and about $218 per year at New Hampshire's average residential rate of 26.6¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.