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.
Maine's law requires full system certification for plug-in solar kits, with smaller systems (at or below 420W) exempt from needing an electrician. Bright Saver is actively working toward achieving full system certification, at which point our 180W and 360W kits will qualify for Maine's simplest tier.
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.
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 - pending certification
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
Bright Saver does not currently ship to Maine because the state's law requires full system certification, which we're actively working toward. A $29 annual membership supports the coalition working on plug-in solar policy nationwide and secures member pricing for when we can ship to Maine.
Balcony Solar 180 W
Do-It-Yourself, No roof or electrician needed
MEMBER-ONLY PRICE
Balcony Solar 360 W
Do-It-Yourself, No roof or electrician needed
MEMBER-ONLY PRICE