The Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize plug-in solar systems for renters and multifamily residents, establishing a regulatory framework for portable arrays that connect directly to standard home outlets.
Image: Pexels / Kindel Media
The Colorado House of Representatives passed HB26-1007 by a 48-16 vote, moving the state closer to enabling “plug-and-play” solar technology.
The legislation establishes a formal regulatory framework for small-scale photovoltaic systems that can be integrated into existing home wiring via a standard electrical outlet. By categorizing these units as personal property rather than permanent fixtures, the bill prevents homeowners’ associations and local governments from banning their use on balconies, patios, or porches.
The bill defines plug-in solar as a distributed energy resource typically consisting of one to four panels and an internal inverter. To ensure grid safety and prevent hazardous islanding, all devices must meet the UL 3700 product safety standard.
The legislation also encourages the use of meter collars, devices installed between a meter socket and a utility meter, to provide immediate interconnection without the need for costly electrical panel upgrades. Meter collars eliminate the need for professional electrical work, which traditionally accounts for a significant portion of solar installation “soft costs”.
The policy opens a low-capital entry point for renters and residents of multifamily housing who lack the legal authority or structural space for traditional arrays. Representative Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, noted that the bill removes unnecessary barriers to make solar a reality for more residents.
If signed into law, Colorado would join Utah as a leader in deploying this technology, which has already seen widespread adoption in Europe. In Germany alone, approximately 4 million households have already installed similar plug-in solar systems.
“Traditional rooftop solar panels aren’t an option for most renters, and this makes it easier for Coloradans to lower their utility bills by generating their own clean, reliable energy,” Smith said. Representative Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, added that the bill outlines necessary safety standards so more residents can take advantage of renewable energy at an affordable price point.
The broader context for this legislation involves a state-wide effort to reduce the “energy burden” on low-income households. Concurrent with HB26-1007, the landmark Senate Bill 26-107, or the Clean Energy for All Families Act, seeks to address the needs of over 300,000 Colorado households that spend more than 10% of their monthly income on utility bills. That bill proposes $100 million in annual funding to accelerate rooftop solar and weatherization services specifically for disproportionately impacted communities.
Following its 48-16 passage in the House, HB26-1007 now moves to the Senate for further deliberation and a final vote.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Ryan Kennedy
It’s important to clarify that UL 3700 does not allow plug‑in solar to connect to “existing home wiring via a standard outlet,” as the article suggests. UL 3700 requires a dedicated, certified interconnection receptacle with specific circuit protections. That means homeowners cannot simply plug these systems into any outlet in their house. This requirement is a major barrier to adoption and makes U.S. plug‑in solar very different from the simple, low‑cost systems used in countries like Germany.
That may be, but the Colorado Bill specifically allows for plugging into a standard outlet, give it a read!
Joseph de Maistre (1753–1821) was a Savoyard philosopher, lawyer, and diplomat known for his “conservative views” and “advocacy of monarchy” following the French Revolution. He wrote in 1811 that “Every nation gets the government it deserves,” expressing the idea that a country’s government reflects the collective character, choices, and values of its citizens. This concept suggests that political outcomes are not solely imposed from above （God’s anointed one） but are shaped by the society itself, highlighting the responsibility of citizens in shaping governance. Colorado voters have chosen their representatives wisely and will be rewarded with lower electrical bills thanks to this legislation.
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
pv magazine USA offers daily updates of the latest photovoltaics news. We also offer comprehensive global coverage of the most important solar markets worldwide. Select one or more editions for targeted, up to date information delivered straight to your inbox.
Δ
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy © pv magazine 2026
Δ
Welcome to pv magazine USA. This site uses cookies. Read our policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source