Minnesota Senate DFL
Minnesota Senate DFL
ST. PAUL, Minn. – In Monday’s hearing of the Senate Energy, Utility, Environment and Climate Committee, Senator Rob Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) presented his bill allowing Minnesotans to use plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 watts with their home or property. 
“Legalizing plug-in solar will let more Minnesotans harness solar energy opportunities by letting them use cheaper, smaller-scale balcony-style solar panels in their own backyard,” said Sen. Kupec. “As utility costs rise plug-in solar can help people take the power back, save money and have more energy independence in their own lives.”
Sen. Kupec’s bill would set state guidelines around allowable devices which would have a maximum power output of 1,200 watts, must be capable of being connected with an on-site energy storage system, and must comply with safety requirements established by the federal Occupational Health and Safety Agency’s testing laboratory.
Plug-in, or as it’s often called “balcony” solar, is not a new concept, having been popularized in Germany where its estimated 4 million households currently take advantage of it. In the United States, Utah was one of the first states to pass legislation legalizing plug-in solar devices which was signed into law in 2025. Now, 29 other states are considering similar changes. 
At the conclusion of Senator Kupec’s presentation and testimony, the bill was laid over for consideration by the Committee. 
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