What the law says
Connecticut enacted HB 5340 (Public Act No. 26-127), signed June 4, 2026 and in effect since October 1, 2026, to create a class for small plug-in solar devices (Connecticut legislature).
The statute caps plug-in systems at 1,200 W; the text does not say whether that limit refers to AC or DC output. It exempts one device per meter from standard interconnection-agreement requirements and says utilities may not require approval, charges, or additional equipment (Connecticut legislature).
The law requires an anti-islanding feature that prevents energizing the building during an outage, compliance with the National Electric Code (NFPA-70) and IEEE 1547, and certification by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory meeting UL 1741. It also requires a consumer warning that excess generation will be charged as usage unless the customer has a meter that allows net metering. The Bright Saver tracker lists the same bill, dates and cap (Bright Saver).
- Signed: June 4, 2026 (Public Act No. 26-127).
- Effective: October 1, 2026.
- Size cap: 1,200 W; statute does not specify AC or DC.
- Certification: UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / NEC and third-party listing required.
- Interconnection: one device per meter; exempt from standard agreements.
- Export: excess generation may be billed unless meter supports net metering.
Before you buy in Connecticut
Confirm your meter and export treatment with your electric utility even though the law bars utilities from requiring approval or extra equipment. The statute warns that exported energy may be billed as usage unless your meter supports net metering, so ask whether your meter credits exported energy or treats exports as consumption (Connecticut legislature).
Check lease terms or HOA rules before you buy: the state law creates allowances at the regulator level but does not remove private lease or covenant restrictions. Also verify third-party certification on the product label or seller page; the statute requires certification by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing lab and conformity with UL 1741, IEEE 1547 and the NEC.
Use the calculator numbers to compare kits. The calculator gives a typical-year output for an 800 W kit mounted vertically and facing south of 734 kWh, with 421 kWh (57%) used at home and 313 kWh exported; at 27.97 cents per kWh the home-used energy is worth $118 a year. Tilted at 30° the same 800 W produces 1,069 kWh and saves $142 a year, and a 1,200 W kit produces 1,102 kWh and is worth $131 a year (the calculator; EIA rate).
- Confirm your meter and export crediting with the utility before buying.
- Check lease or HOA restrictions on installations.
- Verify third-party certification (UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / NEC) on the product label or seller page.
- Examples that fit the 1,200 W cap in seller listings include EcoFlow STREAM bundles (400 W and 800 W panel options) and the Mango Power S 1200W kit; check store pages for current stock and prices.
