Idaho
HB 612 was deferred to the 2027 session; there is no state plug-in solar law yet.
- Bill
- HB 612
- Size limit in the bill
- no law yet
Checked October 14, 2026
State law · Idaho
Is plug-in solar legal in Idaho?
Idaho has no plug-in solar law in force as of October 14, 2026. HB 612 did not pass in 2026. That does not establish that every grid-connected kit is legal or illegal: the proposal is not permission to connect a kit to your home.
- StatusBack in 2027
- BillHB 612
- Average rate, EIA12.96¢/kWh
- CheckedOct 14, 2026
Where the bill stands
- Bill introducedHB 612
- Passed the legislaturecarried to 2027
- Signednot yet
- In effectnot yet
A typical year in Idaho800 W kit · railing, facing south · near the state's population center
Service ZIP836xxIdaho
790 kWhproduced in a typical year
$49saved per year
12.96¢/kWhAverage home rate, EIA
381 kWh used at home × 12.96¢ = $49.43; 347 kWh sent to the grid unpaid, 61 kWh lost to the inverter limit. At Idaho's average rate (EIA).
Idaho: Back in 2027HB 612 was deferred to the 2027 session; there is no state plug-in solar law yet.
- Bill
- HB 612
- Proposed
- —
Production by month, kWh
- Used at home
- Sent to the grid
Residential average, January to July 2026 (EIA Electric Power Monthly).
Open the calculatorWhere sources differ
StatusBrightSaver reports the bill was deferred to 2027; the Idaho Legislature page shows bill actions in February 2026 but no statement of deferral.
Statuslegislature page reading suggests "bill-active"; the Bright Saver tracker category is "carryover-2027" — the tracker category is used
What the law says now
HB 612 remains a proposal, not an enacted exemption for plug-in solar. The Idaho Legislature summarizes its purpose as “Amends and adds to existing law to exempt portable solar generators from public utilities.” If passed, it would create that exemption; the summary does not establish its detailed conditions.
The sources differ on how they describe the bill’s status. Bright Saver reports that HB 612 was deferred to 2027 for reconsideration. The Legislature’s latest listed action is “02/11 Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs,” with no statement of deferral.
Before buying, check with your utility about its requirements for a grid-connected kit and with your landlord or HOA about the proposed installation. The Legislature’s summary does not specify a power cap, utility-notice process, certification standard, renter protection, HOA restriction, or export-payment rule. Do not assume the proposal settles any of those questions.
Options without a plug-in solar law
A portable power station charged by a solar panel offers an option that needs no connection to your home’s grid wiring. EcoFlow says its DELTA Pro 3 supports solar charging. Homeowners can also request rooftop solar quotes rather than wait for a plug-in solar exemption.
For a possible future permitted installation, the calculator gives 790 kWh in a typical year for a south-facing, vertical kit near Idaho’s population center, with 800 W of panels and an 800 W inverter limit. With a home base load of 164 W, it values the electricity used at home at $49 a year, using EIA’s Idaho residential rate of 12.96 cents/kWh for January through July 2026 and no payment for exports.
For the same kit facing south at a 30° tilt, the calculator gives 1,187 kWh a year and $62 in annual savings. These estimates compare placement options; they are not authorization to connect a system.
Questions
Will Idaho reconsider HB 612 in 2027?
Bright Saver says the bill was deferred to 2027 and will be reconsidered. The Idaho Legislature’s page does not confirm that deferral, so a return is expected rather than assured.
Does Idaho have an 800 W plug-in solar limit?
The Legislature’s summary does not state a power limit. The 800 W size used here is a calculator scenario, not an enacted Idaho cap.
Does HB 612 give renters permission to install solar?
HB 612 did not pass in 2026, so it provides no enacted renter protection. The Legislature’s summary also does not describe landlord or HOA provisions.