Last reviewed 2026-09-01
Colorado plug-in solar status
The key facts
- Bill or law
- HB 26-1007
- Size limit
- 1920 watts
- Enacted
- 2026-05-07
- General effective date
- 2026-08-12
Future effective dates
- 2027-01-01: Sales/listing, HOA, covenant, and related property provisions specified in the act
Timing and implementation
- The act is partially effective; do not treat the entire framework as fully operative before January 1, 2027.
Qualifying devices are subject to output, equipment-listing, anti-islanding, fire-code, and local health-and-safety building-code requirements.
Confirm the applicable provision, utility notice process, and local code before installing.
Before you buy in Colorado
This page is informational research, not legal advice — and it can fall out of date quickly. Before installing anything, confirm the current law and its start date, any size limit, your local building and fire codes, your utility’s requirements, that the kit is certified as a complete system, your landlord or homeowners association (HOA) rules, a safe way to mount it, and the maker’s instructions.
A “no dedicated statewide law found” status does not settle those other utility, electrical, building, fire, property, or product-safety requirements.
Colorado plug-in solar FAQ
Is plug-in solar legal in Colorado?
Colorado is currently listed as: Enacted — phased implementation. Colorado enacted HB 26-1007. The act took effect August 12, 2026, with additional consumer and property provisions beginning January 1, 2027. Always confirm current state law, local code, utility rules, and product certification before installing.
Do I need utility approval for plug-in solar in Colorado?
That depends on the current state rule, your utility tariff, the product, and your installation. Read the cited sources on this page and confirm directly with your utility before buying or plugging in a kit.
What should I check before buying a plug-in solar kit in Colorado?
Check the law or bill status, effective date, size limit, utility requirements, complete-system certification, local building and fire codes, landlord or HOA rules, mounting safety, and the manufacturer's instructions.
Estimate your savings in Colorado
Use the calculator to get a rough idea. For a truer number, swap the national average electricity price for your own rate (it’s on your bill), and remember that surplus power you send back may earn nothing unless your state and utility specifically pay for it.
A planning estimate, not a promise. It doesn’t check whether plug-in solar is legal where you live, whether a kit is certified, whether your outlet or mount is suitable, or whether your utility pays for surplus power.
Sources
- HB26-1007 Improve Customer Use Distributed Energy ResourcesColorado General Assembly; accessed 2026-09-01
- Chapter 127, HB 26-1007 session lawColorado General Assembly; accessed 2026-09-01