Maine Plug-In Solar Law (LD 1730): What Renters & Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Updated July 21, 2026

With electricity costs rising across Maine, more homeowners and renters are looking for ways to reduce their energy use, especially when rooftop solar isn’t an option.

Maine lawmakers passed legislation known as the Maine plug-in solar law (LD 1730), and Governor Janet Mills signed it into law on April 6, 2026. The bill received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Plug-in solar is getting attention, but it’s still early. Plug-in solar systems need to meet new safety certifications (UL 3700), and those compliant products are just starting to become available to Mainers.

So what exactly is plug-in solar—and what does this new law mean as it moves forward?

What Is Plug-In Solar in Maine?

Often referred to as “plug-in solar” or “balcony solar,” these systems are small, portable setups. They typically consist of just one or two panels and can be placed on a deck, yard, or balcony.

While these systems are designed to connect through an outlet, the plug-in solar systems currently available require a dedicated outlet. Plug-in solar owners will need to engage a licensed electrician to ensure they are installed safely and work properly with your home’s electrical system.

Unlike rooftop solar, there’s no permanent installation or roof access required, and the upfront cost is much lower.

Plug-in solar systems are designed primarily for renters, apartment buildings, condos, and homes where rooftop solar isn’t an option. In a state like Maine — where housing stock is older and many residents rent — plug-in solar is getting a lot of attention as an option to offset a portion of a monthly electric bill.

Are Plug-In Solar Systems Available in Maine?

Plug-in systems are just starting to become available to Mainers.

With LD 1730 now signed into law, Maine had to create a formal pathway for plug-in solar systems, and based on the available components on the market, the need for a single dedicated outlet became obvious to regulators. Mainers who want a plug-in solar system should contact a trusted licensed electrician who can assess their electrical set-up and determine whether it is necessary to install a dedicated outlet.

What Plug-In Solar Can (and Can’t) Do

Plug-in solar is designed to offset a small portion of your electricity use, not power your entire home. These systems are limited in size — often around 800 to 1200 watts — which is why their overall impact is relatively small.

In most cases, the energy produced is comparable to running a window AC unit or a TV, or charging a few phones.

In practical terms, it’s closer to offsetting a few daytime loads, rather than significantly reducing your overall electric bill. These systems are also not eligible for net energy billing, so excess generation does not receive credit.

For homeowners with good sun exposure, rooftop solar remains the most impactful way to offset electricity use. If you’re comparing plug-in solar to a full rooftop system, you can learn more about how solar works in Maine and what to expect here.

Why Installation Still Matters

Even though these systems are designed to plug into an outlet, they interact with your home’s electrical system in a different way than traditional appliances.

One of the key considerations is how electricity flows back into a circuit. In some cases, that can introduce more current than the wiring or breaker was originally designed to handle, especially in older homes.

That’s why installing a plug-in system with the approved components requires involvement from a licensed electrician. In some cases, this may also include using a dedicated circuit to safely handle the way electricity flows through the system, helping ensure everything is installed safely and working properly with your home.

Why This Matters for Maine

Even with those limitations, this law is important.

It opens the door for renters and others who haven’t traditionally had access to solar. It gives more people a way to start thinking about how they use their electricity and a pathway to become less reliant on the grid.

A key part of LD 1730 allows these systems to operate without the formal utility interconnection process required for rooftop solar systems, helping make them simpler to adopt.

The goal is to expand access without adding costs to other ratepayers, while allowing smaller systems to operate more simply.

It’s not a full solution, but it is a meaningful step toward broader access to solar for more Mainers.

Curious About Plug-In Solar For Your Home?

If you’re interested in plug-in solar as it becomes available in Maine, feel free to reach out. Our licensed electricians can assess your existing electrical system and talk through what solar options may make sense for your living situation and your goals.

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