Do I need to tell Eversource or my utility?

You don't need approval or an interconnection agreement. Your utility may set up a way for you to report your system's wattage after you install, for notification only.

Can I use two systems?

No. The law allows one plug-in system per metered customer.

What certification does the hardware need?

Certification by a nationally recognized testing lab to the safety standards for distributed energy resources and plug-in solar systems.

Does the law protect renters?

No. It doesn't address landlords, so your lease still applies.

Is it legal right now?

Not until January 1, 2027. Until then, a battery-only setup that never connects to your home wiring is the safe option.

Is Balcony Solar Legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, from January 1, 2027. New Hampshire's SB 540 became law as Chapter 262 on July 2, 2026. Each metered customer can use one plug-in solar system of up to 1,200 watts AC without utility approval, an interconnection agreement or fees. Your utility may ask you to report the wattage after you install.

New Hampshire balcony solar at a glance

Status	✅ Signed (not in effect yet)
Bill	SB 540, Sen. David Watters (prime sponsor)
Signed	July 2, 2026
Effective	January 1, 2027
Size limit	1,200 W AC, one system per metered customer
Utility interconnection agreement	Not required
Utility fees	Not allowed
Certification	Certified by a nationally recognized testing lab to national safety standards for distributed energy resources and plug-in solar
Renter / HOA rules	Not addressed in the bill text
Last checked	October 28, 2026

What Chapter 262 (SB 540) actually does

Each metered customer may use one plug-in solar system with a maximum inverter output of 1,200 W AC.
No utility approval, interconnection review or interconnection agreement, and no extra utility-specified equipment.
No utility fees related to the system, apart from charges the system incurs through its use.
Your utility may set up a way for you to report the system's wattage after you install it, for notification only.
Hardware must be certified by a nationally recognized testing lab and meet national interconnection standards for distributed energy resources.
The building code section, which also requires installing per the code and the maker's instructions, waits until the energy commissioner certifies that a national standard exists.
The Department of Energy must post consumer information on meter compatibility, billing and safety, including a warning that improper installs may affect homeowners or renters insurance.
Utilities aren't liable for damage or injury from a customer's system.

Can I use balcony solar before January 1, 2027?

Not as a grid-connected plug-in system with the new law's protections. Until then your utility's normal interconnection rules still apply. What you can do now:

Pick a kit that's UL-certified so it qualifies on day one.
Measure your balcony or railing and check how many hours of direct sun it gets.
Use a panel with a portable power station (battery only, not plugged into your wiring). That setup never connects to the grid, so interconnection rules don't apply.

Renters, landlords and HOAs in New Hampshire

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 New Hampshire?

Find your price per kWh on your Eversource, Unitil, Liberty Utilities or the New Hampshire Electric Co-op 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

January 8, 2026: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds its hearing.
March 12, 2026: Senate passes SB 540 by voice vote.
April 23, 2026: House passes it with an amendment, 293–43.
May 7, 2026: Senate agrees to the House amendment.
July 2, 2026: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signs it as Chapter 262.
January 1, 2027: The plug-in solar provisions take effect.

FAQ

Is balcony solar legal in New Hampshire?: Yes, from January 1, 2027. Chapter 262 (SB 540) allows one plug-in system of up to 1,200 watts AC per metered customer.
Do I need to tell Eversource or my utility?: You don't need approval or an interconnection agreement. Your utility may set up a way for you to report your system's wattage after you install, for notification only.
Can I use two systems?: No. The law allows one plug-in system per metered customer.
What certification does the hardware need?: Certification by a nationally recognized testing lab to the safety standards for distributed energy resources and plug-in solar systems.
Does the law protect renters?: No. It doesn't address landlords, so your lease still applies.
Is it legal right now?: Not until January 1, 2027. Until then, a battery-only setup that never connects to your home wiring is the safe option.

Sources

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