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Is plug-in solar legal in Pennsylvania?
Bill pending HB 1971
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (HB 1971) has been introduced in Pennsylvania but has not become law.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Level 1 certified inverter <=10 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 (Level 1 certified inverter <=10 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 1971 this year: Referred House Energy 10/28/2025; no action; session ends 11/30/2026.
What the rules say
Pennsylvania's bipartisan HB 1971 sits in committee; PECO/PPL interconnection rules apply.
Before you plug in: Pennsylvania checklist
- The rule that applies is Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's interconnection process: 52 Pa. Code Ch. 75 Subch. C.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Level 1 certified inverter <=10 kW). $100.
- Permits: UCC 2020 NEC (1/1/2026); municipal permits; lockable visible-break disconnect required (75.36).
- 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: Retail net metering <=50 kW; annual excess at price-to-compare.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch HB 1971: Referred House Energy 10/28/2025; no action; session ends 11/30/2026.
The rules in detail
Pennsylvania has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is HB 1971). Average residential electricity price: 21.72¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Bill status: in House Energy Committee.
- Sponsor: Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester); co-prime Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler (D), Mark Gillen (R).
- Exported power: Proposed: not eligible for net metering.
Your utility's rules in Pennsylvania
No utility in Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|
| FirstEnergy Pennsylvania | 1,802,612 | No specific statement; Level 1 <=10 kW $100. source |
| PECO | 1,535,818 | No specific statement. source |
| PPL Electric Utilities | 1,295,883 | No specific statement. |
| Duquesne Light | 550,405 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | 52 Pa. Code Ch. 75 Subch. C. |
| Smallest tier | Level 1 certified inverter <=10 kW. |
| Application fee | $100. |
| Electrician / permit | UCC 2020 NEC (1/1/2026); municipal permits; lockable visible-break disconnect required (75.36). |
| Export compensation | Retail net metering <=50 kW; annual excess at price-to-compare. |
| Electrical code | 2020 NEC (eff. 1/1/2026). |
In practice
- Lockable isolation device requirement is the real barrier.
- Bipartisan but stuck in committee.
Plug-in solar bills in Pennsylvania, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 1971 | Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester); co-primes Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D), Rep. Mark Gillen (R) | Referred House Energy 10/28/2025; no action; session ends 11/30/2026. | <=1,200 W certified; no interconnection agreement/fees; ineligible for net metering. |
State incentives
- PA SRECs (certified systems).
- Philadelphia Solar Rebate (permitted).
- No credit or sales-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Vote Solar
- Bright Saver
- PennEnvironment
- Plug-In Solar PA
- SUN Pennsylvania
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Pennsylvania
Adjust for your setup →≈ $181/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Pennsylvania?
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (HB 1971) has been introduced in Pennsylvania but has not become law.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Pennsylvania?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Pennsylvania?
Not fully settled. Proposed: eliminate interconnection agreement, no extra fees
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Pennsylvania?
Roughly 832 kWh and about $181 per year at Pennsylvania's average residential rate of 21.72¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.