Balcony Solar in Maine

Everything you need to know about plug-in and balcony solar law in Maine, plus what it means for what you're allowed to plug in, and what it saves.

Is it legal?

Yes.

Maine's LD 1730 was signed into law and took effect on 15 July 2026. It permits systems up to 1,200W of plug-in solar per customer, which can be plugged into a standard outlet with no permit and no utility approval required. Smaller systems (at or below 420W) qualify for the simplest tier, needing no electrician and no dedicated circuit.

The law bars utilities from charging any fee or requiring interconnection review for a qualifying plug-in solar device.

Bright Saver does not yet ship to Maine because the state's law requires full system (UL 3700) certification. You can reserve a UL 3700 kit now and we'll ship as soon as certification is complete.

What You Can Save in Maine

Maine's average residential electricity price is about 27.9 cents per kWh (EIA, 2026 average), among the highest in the country. A 180 W kit generating about 270 kWh a year saves roughly $75 a year; a 360 W kit roughly $151.

Maine's high electricity rates mean each kilowatt-hour the panel produces is worth more than in almost any other state. The kit pays for itself faster here than most places, with no roof work or contractor needed.

Check Your Savings Based on Zipcode

The rules, in one table

Bill

Signed

LD 1730

6 April 2026

Effective

15 July 2026

Maximum System Size

1,200 W

No-Electrician Threshold

420 W

Permit Required

No

Utility Notification

Not required below 420 W

HOA Can Prohibit

Bright Saver Ships Here

N/A

Not yet, awaiting full system cert. Reserve now.

If You Rent in Maine

Nothing in LD 1730 requires a landlord's permission for a plug-in system, and nothing is drilled or wired into the building. The kit comes down in under ten minutes when you move.

What to buy

While we complete UL 3700 certification for Maine, you can reserve your kit today. A $29 annual membership unlocks member pricing, reservation priority, and supports Bright Saver's work to make plug-in solar accessible in every state.

Balcony Solar 180 W

Do-It-Yourself, No roof or electrician needed

MEMBER-ONLY PRICE

Balcony Solar 360 W