Do I need Green Mountain Power's permission?

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

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

No. Plug-in devices can't be net metered, and you can't add one if you already have a net-metered system.

What certification is required?

UL 3700 or an equivalent lab certification, plus installation and operation in line with IEEE 1547-2018.

Can my landlord stop me?

Not outright. Give 10 days' notice; your landlord can set reasonable restrictions, and electrical work needs their permission.

Can my HOA or town ban it?

No. Town bylaws can't regulate plug-in devices, and deed restrictions or covenants can't prohibit them.

Is Balcony Solar Legal in Vermont?

Yes. Vermont's S. 202 became Act 149 on June 16, 2026 and took effect July 1, 2026. You can install one or more plug-in devices with a combined 1,200 watts per meter, with no utility approval, interconnection agreement or installation fees. Devices must be UL 3700 certified and can only be connected where there's a smart meter.

Vermont balcony solar at a glance

Status	✅ Signed
Bill	S. 202, Sen. Anne Watson (lead sponsor)
Signed	June 16, 2026
Effective	July 1, 2026
Size limit	1,200 W combined per electric meter
Utility interconnection agreement	Not required
Utility fees	Not allowed
Certification	UL 3700 or an equivalent certification from a nationally recognized testing lab; IEEE 1547-2018
Renter / HOA rules	Tenants give the landlord at least 10 days' notice; the landlord can set reasonable restrictions within 10 days, and electrical work needs the landlord's permission
Last checked	October 28, 2026

What Act 149 (S. 202) actually does

One or more plug-in devices per meter, up to a combined inverter capacity of 1,200 W.
Devices can only be connected where there's a smart meter, and must be securely attached to the ground or a structure.
Hardware must comply with UL 3700 (or an equivalent lab certification), follow IEEE 1547-2018 and stop powering the building during an outage.
No certificate of public good and no interconnection agreement.
Your utility can't require approval, an installation fee or extra equipment, but it can recover costs if a device overloads your service.
No net metering: you can't add one if you already have a net-metered system, and exported power isn't paid for.
Renters give 10 days' notice. Landlords can set reasonable restrictions within 10 days, and electrical work needs their permission.
Town bylaws can't regulate plug-in devices, and deed restrictions or covenants can't ban them, including on condo and apartment patio railings.

Renters, landlords and HOAs in Vermont

Tenants give the landlord at least 10 days' notice; the landlord can set reasonable restrictions within 10 days, and electrical work needs the landlord's permission. Even so:

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 Vermont?

Find your price per kWh on your Green Mountain Power, Vermont Electric Cooperative, Burlington Electric Department or another local utility 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 29, 2026: Senate passes S. 202 after a 29–0 roll call.
May 6, 2026: House passes it with amendments.
May 26, 2026: Both chambers agree on the final version.
June 16, 2026: Gov. Phil Scott signs it as Act 149.
July 1, 2026: The act takes effect.

FAQ

Is balcony solar legal in Vermont?: Yes. Act 149 took effect July 1, 2026 and allows plug-in devices up to a combined 1,200 watts per meter.
Do I need Green Mountain Power's permission?: No. Your utility can't require approval, an interconnection agreement, installation fees or extra equipment.
Will I get paid for power I send to the grid?: No. Plug-in devices can't be net metered, and you can't add one if you already have a net-metered system.
What certification is required?: UL 3700 or an equivalent lab certification, plus installation and operation in line with IEEE 1547-2018.
Can my landlord stop me?: Not outright. Give 10 days' notice; your landlord can set reasonable restrictions, and electrical work needs their permission.
Can my HOA or town ban it?: No. Town bylaws can't regulate plug-in devices, and deed restrictions or covenants can't prohibit them.

Sources

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