Do I need permission from Eversource or UI?

No. Your utility can't require approval, an interconnection agreement, fees or extra equipment.

Will I get credit for power I send to the grid?

Not automatically. The device must warn you that excess power will be billed as usage unless your meter allows net metering.

What certification does the hardware need?

Certification by UL or an equivalent lab that meets UL 1741, plus the National Electrical Code, IEEE 1547 and the State Building Code.

Can my landlord stop me?

The law doesn't address renters or landlords, so your lease still applies.

Can I use more than one device?

No. Only one portable device can be used behind each electric meter.

Is Balcony Solar Legal in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut's HB 5340 became Public Act 26-127, signed June 4, 2026, and its portable solar section was reported to take effect October 1, 2026. You can plug one device of up to 1,200 watts per meter into a standard 120-volt outlet, with no utility approval, interconnection agreement or fees.

Connecticut balcony solar at a glance

Status	✅ Signed
Bill	HB 5340
Signed	June 4, 2026
Effective	October 1, 2026
Size limit	1,200 W one device per electric meter
Utility interconnection agreement	Not required
Utility fees	Not allowed
Certification	Certified by UL or an equivalent testing lab and meets UL 1741, the National Electrical Code and IEEE 1547
Renter / HOA rules	Not addressed in the bill text
Last checked	October 28, 2026

What Public Act 26-127 (HB 5340) actually does

A portable solar device can put out at most 1,200 W and plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet behind your meter.
Only one device per customer meter.
No interconnection agreement required.
Your utility can't require approval, charge a fee related to the system or require extra controls or equipment.
Hardware must be certified by UL or an equivalent lab, meet UL 1741, the State Building Code, the National Electrical Code and IEEE 1547, and stop powering the building during an outage.
The device must warn that power beyond what you use will be charged to you as usage unless your meter allows net metering.
You still have to follow the building, fire safety and fire prevention codes and any local rules.
The October 1, 2026 start date comes from pv magazine and other reporting; the copy of the act we could read doesn't show that section's effective-date line.

Renters, landlords and HOAs in Connecticut

The bill doesn't say anything about landlords or HOAs, so your lease and building rules still decide. Before you buy:

Read your lease and HOA rules for anything about balcony attachments or electrical devices.
Ask in writing before mounting anything to a railing.
Prefer clamp-on or freestanding mounts that don't drill into the building.

How much can balcony solar save in Connecticut?

Find your price per kWh on your Eversource or United Illuminating bill.
Check the kit's estimated yearly output for your location and the way your balcony faces (south is best, then east or west).
Multiply: yearly kWh × your price per kWh = rough yearly savings. Or use the balcony solar calculator.

Shade, railing angle and how much of the power you use while it's being made all change the result. Plug-in systems are meant to offset what your home uses, not to sell power back.

Timeline

February 26, 2026: Referred to the Joint Committee on Energy and Technology.
March 19, 2026: Committee votes the bill out.
May 1, 2026: House passes it with an amendment.
May 6, 2026: Senate passes it.
June 4, 2026: Signed as Public Act 26-127.
October 1, 2026: Portable solar section takes effect, as reported.

FAQ

Is balcony solar legal in Connecticut?: Yes. Public Act 26-127 allows one portable device of up to 1,200 watts per meter, and the section was reported to take effect October 1, 2026.
Do I need permission from Eversource or UI?: No. Your utility can't require approval, an interconnection agreement, fees or extra equipment.
Will I get credit for power I send to the grid?: Not automatically. The device must warn you that excess power will be billed as usage unless your meter allows net metering.
What certification does the hardware need?: Certification by UL or an equivalent lab that meets UL 1741, plus the National Electrical Code, IEEE 1547 and the State Building Code.
Can my landlord stop me?: The law doesn't address renters or landlords, so your lease still applies.
Can I use more than one device?: No. Only one portable device can be used behind each electric meter.

Sources

This page explains the law in plain language. It is not legal advice. Last checked October 28, 2026.