Colorado's HB26-1007, signed by Governor Polis on May 7, 2026 and effective August 12, 2026, is the most generous plug-in solar law in the country. It allows up to 1,920 watts per customer — 60% more than the 1,200 W cap used almost everywhere else.
Why 1,920 W? It corresponds to 80% of a standard 20-amp, 120-volt circuit (20 A × 120 V × 0.8), the continuous-load limit electricians design around. To use the full allowance safely, the system should be connected to a 20-amp circuit with nothing else heavy on it.
HOAs and landlords
The law voids homeowners-association rules that would block a plug-in installation, and it prevents landlords and HOAs from unreasonably restricting systems. Reasonable rules on placement and safe mounting can still apply.
The Colorado advantage
High altitude means strong, clear sunlight. Combined with the higher cap, a Colorado household can generate meaningfully more than a neighbor in New England — though at a lower retail electricity price, so the dollar savings land in the middle of the pack.
What plug-in solar is worth in Colorado
Colorado households pay an average of 17.00¢ per kWh, 7% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 5.4 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.
800 W kit (2 panels)
- Saved per year
- $184
- Payback ($900 kit)
- 4.9 yr
- Energy used
- 1,085 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $3,711
1,920 W kit (max)
- Saved per year
- $443
- Payback ($1,300 kit)
- 2.9 yr
- Energy used
- 2,604 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $9,765
Run your own numbers
Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.
Estimated savings · Colorado
$184/ year
≈ $15.37 per month
- Payback
- 4.9 yrs
- Energy used
- 1,085 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $3,711
- CO₂ avoided
- 879 lb/yr
Monthly savings profile
Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.
What to do now
- 1The law is in force — you can connect a compliant system today.
- 2Choose a certified microinverter (UL 1741 at minimum; UL 3700 system listing is best) and stay under 1,920 W.
- 3Plug into a dedicated outdoor-rated outlet — never an extension cord or power strip.
- 4Tell your home or renters insurer, and keep the spec sheets.
Colorado plug-in solar FAQ
Is plug-in solar legal in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado passed HB26-1007, signed May 7, 2026. It has been in force since August 12, 2026. Systems up to 1,920 W that use certified equipment can be plugged into a standard outlet without a utility interconnection agreement.
How much can balcony solar save in Colorado?
At Colorado's average residential rate of 17.00¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 5.4 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $184 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 4.9 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.
What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Colorado?
The law allows up to 1,920 watts of AC output. That's higher than the 1,200 W used in most states — use a dedicated 20-amp circuit to take advantage of it.
Sources
- COSSA — Governor Polis signs HB26-1007
- CleanTechnica — Balcony solar advances in Colorado
- Exact Solar — state-by-state plug-in solar update (Jul 2026)
- EIA — Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential prices)
Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Colorado sources and your utility.