Last reviewed 2026-09-01
Vermont plug-in solar status
The key facts
- Bill or law
- S.202
- Size limit
- 1200 watts
- Enacted
- 2026-06-16
- General effective date
- 2026-07-01
Qualifying devices can be installed without a certificate of public good, and utilities cannot charge extra fees or require prior approval.
The bill passed the Vermont Senate unanimously, 29-0.
Use a certified device, and confirm your local codes and any landlord or homeowners association (HOA) rules, before installing.
Before you buy in Vermont
This page is informational research, not legal advice — and it can fall out of date quickly.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.
Vermont plug-in solar FAQ
Is plug-in solar legal in Vermont?
Vermont is currently listed as: Law in effect. Vermont enacted S.202, signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 16, 2026 and effective July 1, 2026. It creates a legal category for portable (plug-in) solar devices up to 1,200 watts. Always confirm current state law, local code, utility rules, and product certification before installing.
Do I need utility approval for plug-in solar in Vermont?
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 Vermont?
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 Vermont
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
- Bill Status S.202Vermont Legislature; accessed 2026-09-01
- 29-0 Victory for Portable Solar!Vermont Public Interest Research Group; accessed 2026-09-01
- The Rise of Plug-In Solar: How States Can Reduce Costs and Streamline Clean Energy AdoptionNational Caucus of Environmental Legislators; accessed 2026-07-02