Is balcony solar legal in New Hampshire?
Signed, but most of it starts January 1, 2027. New Hampshire's SB 540 (chapter 262) will allow one plug-in system per metered customer up to 1,200 W AC, with no utility approval or fee.
Last checked: · Law: SB 540-FN (2026), chapter 262, RSA 362-A:10
What the law says
| Status | Approved July 2, 2026 (chapter 262) law text |
|---|---|
| In force | January 1, 2027 for most of the act. The building-code section starts only when the Department of Energy certifies that a national standard exists law text |
| Size limit | One plug-in system per metered customer, maximum inverter output 1,200 W AC law text |
| How it connects | A receptacle or other non-permanent wiring connection law text |
| Certification | Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to nationally recognized safety standards law text |
| Utility notice | The utility may set up a way to learn the wattage, for notification purposes only law text |
| Utility approval | Not required; no interconnection review or agreement; no fees except charges from use; no extra equipment law text |
| Landlords / HOAs | Not addressed law text |
law text = read in the bill, statute or an official government page. reported = from news or a tracker; we could not confirm it in an official source yet.
The Department of Energy must publish consumer information, including a warning that unlisted systems or improper installation may affect insurance (per the chaptered text summary).
Where sources disagree
The City of Dover says use won't be legal until the Department of Energy certifies a standard. In the chaptered text that condition applies to the building-code section; the rest starts January 1, 2027. One tracker gives May 28, 2026 as the signing date; the official text says approved July 2, 2026.
Sources
All sources read on 2026-11-03.
Before you plug in
- Check with your utility whether it wants a notice, and how (the rules above say what it may and may not ask).
- Renting or in an HOA? Read renters & HOAs and ask your landlord or board in writing.
- Buy a kit with a certification you can look up. See certified kits.
- Estimate what it saves in New Hampshire: savings calculator.
This page quotes the rule; it is not legal or electrical advice.