Is plug-in solar legal in the US?
There is no federal law specific to plug-in solar. What applies depends on your state and your electric utility.
9 states have enacted a plug-in solar law, and 2 more have passed the legislature and await the governor. Enacted is not the same as in force: 5 of these laws are in effect now, while 4 do not take effect until later in 2026 or 2027. Everywhere else, use is governed by your utility's interconnection rules and local electrical code.
Laws in effect now
These states have a plug-in solar law already in force: Colorado, Maine, Utah, Vermont, and Maryland.
Enacted, but not in effect yet
A law can be signed and still be months from taking effect. Connecticut (effective October 1, 2026), New Hampshire (effective January 1, 2027), New Jersey (effective March 1, 2027), Virginia (effective January 1, 2027). Until each date, those terms do not apply.
Passed the legislature, awaiting the governor
New York has passed both houses but is not yet law; its terms take effect only if the governor signs. California is in the same position and appears in the state table.
Where no statute was found, or a state is not checked
Where no state statute specific to plug-in solar was found, use is governed by your electric utility's interconnection rules and applicable electrical codes. A state marked Not yet checked in the state table has not had its legislature read for this dataset. It does not mean no law exists.
Legal is not the same as certified or ready to buy
A law being in effect is only part of the picture. A lawful route still depends on a properly certified device, and when you buy, on checking the exact kit against your state's rules.