Skip to content
Plugshine

Plug-in solar in North Dakota

No law yet in North Dakota

  • No plug-in solar bill introduced as of October 2026

Last verified

Status
No bill yet
Bill
—
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
13.41¢/kWh (-27% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$119saved

Payback ≈ 7.6 yrs · ranks #50 of 51 for savings

No plug-in solar legislation had been introduced in North Dakota as of our last check. That doesn't make every plug-in setup illegal, but there is no law that exempts small systems from your utility's interconnection rules — so connecting one without permission may violate your service agreement.

Off-grid use is a different story: a portable panel charging a battery power station that is not connected to your home wiring needs no permission anywhere.

What plug-in solar is worth in North Dakota

North Dakota households pay an average of 13.41¢ per kWh, 27% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.4 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
$119
Payback ($900 kit)
7.6 yr
Energy used
884 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,063

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$178
Payback ($1,300 kit)
7.3 yr
Energy used
1,326 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,145

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · North Dakota

$119/ year

≈ $9.88 per month

Payback
7.6 yrs
Energy used
884 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,063
CO₂ avoided
716 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

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your North Dakota state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

North Dakota plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in North Dakota?

Not yet. No plug-in solar legislation has been introduced so far. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in North Dakota?

At North Dakota's average residential rate of 13.41¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.4 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $119 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 7.6 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in North Dakota?

There is no North Dakota-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official North Dakota sources and your utility.