Massachusetts
H.5175 is moving through the legislature; there is no state plug-in solar law yet.
- Bill
- H.5175
- Size limit in the bill
- 1,200 W (the bill does not say AC or DC)
- Utility notice, in the bill
- Would not be required
Checked October 14, 2026
State law · Massachusetts
Is plug-in solar legal in Massachusetts?
Not yet: a plug-in solar bill (H.5175) is pending in the Massachusetts legislature. The proposal would set a 1,200 W cap and — according to Bright Saver — allow small systems to connect to household outlets without utility approval, permits, or an electrician; the legislature's record shows the last action on July 16, 2026.
- StatusBill in progress
- BillH.5175
- Average rate, EIA30.14¢/kWh
- CheckedOct 14, 2026
Where the bill stands
- Bill introducedH.5175
- Passed the legislaturein progress
- Signednot yet
- In effectnot yet
A typical year in Massachusetts800 W kit · railing, facing south · near the state's population center
Service ZIP017xxMassachusetts
748 kWhproduced in a typical year
$126saved per year
30.14¢/kWhAverage home rate, EIA
419 kWh used at home × 30.14¢ = $126.15; 329 kWh sent to the grid unpaid, 0 kWh lost to the inverter limit. At Massachusetts's average rate (EIA).
Massachusetts: Bill in progressH.5175 is moving through the legislature; there is no state plug-in solar law yet.
- Bill
- H.5175
- Proposed
- 1,200 W
Production by month, kWh
- Used at home
- Sent to the grid
Residential average, January to July 2026 (EIA Electric Power Monthly).
Open the calculatorWhat the law says now
A bill, H.5175, is pending in the Massachusetts legislature (checked October 14, 2026). The legislature's public record lists the latest action as 7/16/2026: "Committee of conference appointed — (Cusack-Michlewitz-Jones)".
As reported by Bright Saver, the proposal would define a class of small plug-in systems and set a maximum system size of 1,200 W. The bill text does not say whether the 1,200 W limit refers to AC or DC output.
Bright Saver reports the proposal would allow connection to standard household outlets without utility approval, permits, or an electrician, and that the bill has passed the House and is advancing in the Senate. Bright Saver also notes that, until a law is enacted, utilities may require interconnection review, permits, and fees.
Options without a law
If you prefer a system that never connects to the grid, use a portable power station charged by panels. Product specifications show examples such as the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus (2048Wh, 3000W), DELTA 3 Plus (1024Wh, 1800W) and DELTA Pro 3 (4000Wh, 4000W); search available kits for models and current prices.
If you are comparing grid-connected kits, the site's calculator gives local production and savings. The calculator gives the following typical-year outputs for Massachusetts (state population-center ZIPs):
- 800 W kit, vertical facing south — 748 kWh a year; with a 164 W home base load, 419 kWh (56%) is used at home and 329 kWh is exported; home-used power is worth $126 a year ($1,262 over 10 years, exports paid 0). Individual years vary by about 2%.
- 800 W kit, tilted 30° facing south — 1,066 kWh a year and saves $152 a year.
- 1,200 W kit, vertical south — 1,122 kWh a year, 41% used at home, worth $140 a year.
Questions
Has H.5175 become law?
No. H.5175 is pending; the Massachusetts legislative record shows the last action on 7/16/2026 (committee of conference appointed). Bright Saver reports the bill passed the House and is advancing in the Senate.
What system size would the bill allow?
The bill as proposed sets a maximum system size of 1,200 W. The bill text does not specify whether that 1,200 W limit refers to AC or DC output.
Do I have to notify my utility now?
As reported by Bright Saver, the proposal would not require utility notification or permits. However, Bright Saver also warns that until a law is enacted utilities may require interconnection review, permits, and fees.
How much would an 800 W kit produce in Massachusetts?
The calculator gives 748 kWh a year for an 800 W kit mounted vertical facing south; with a 164 W base load, 419 kWh (56%) is used at home and the home-used power is worth $126 a year ($1,262 over 10 years).