Plug-in solar in New Hampshire
Signed — details being verified Checked November 10, 2026
News reports and a copy of the final bill say New Hampshire enacted SB 540 as Chapter 262 in July 2026, with most of it taking effect January 1, 2027. We have not been able to confirm the law on the state legislature's website, so every rule below is marked unknown until we do.
The law
| Bill | Stage | Last action | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB 540-FN relative to plug-in solar generation systems Chapter 262 (unconfirmed) | Signed into law | Signed by Governor (Chapter 262) - per mirror copy and news reports; not confirmed on gc.nh.gov | Signed: Unknown Effective: Unknown |
The rules
| Rule | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum size (output) | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Panel (DC) limit | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Plug-in batteries | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Tell your utility? | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Utility approval needed? | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Renters and landlords | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| HOAs and condo associations | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Safety certification required | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
| Net metering | Unknown (not verified) Awaiting confirmation on the official legislature website. | — |
What's next
Confirm Chapter 262 text, signing date and the January 1, 2027 effective date on gc.nh.gov. The building-code section takes effect only when the Department of Energy certifies a national standard exists.
Kits in New Hampshire
| Kit | AC output | UL 3700 | Fit in New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|---|
| APsystems EZ1-LV plug-in microinverter | 900 W | Certified (certificate seen), component only | State rules not yet verified |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter | 1,200 W | Unknown | State rules not yet verified |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter + 2 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels | 1,200 W | Unknown | State rules not yet verified |
| EcoFlow STREAM Ultra | 800 W | Unknown | State rules not yet verified |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-391-1WM-LV | 391 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | State rules not yet verified |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-420-1WM-LV | 420 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | State rules not yet verified |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 180 W | Not stated | Not certified | State rules not yet verified |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 360 W | Not stated | Not certified | State rules not yet verified |
| CraftStrom 800 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 700 W (estimated) | Unknown | State rules not yet verified |
| CraftStrom 1200 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 1,050 W (estimated) | Unknown | State rules not yet verified |
What these labels mean
- State rules not yet verified
- We have not yet confirmed this state’s rules on an official source.
What could it save?
For an 800 W panel kit at New Hampshire's average residential price of 26.95¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):
- Ideal tilt (20°, south)
- 1,012 kWh a year: about $188 typical (69% used at home), up to $273 best case (100%)
- Vertical railing (90°, south)
- 748 kWh a year: about $139 typical (69% used at home), up to $202 best case (100%)
"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Concord (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted
Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).
Neighbouring states
- Massachusetts: Bill active
- Maine: Law in effect
- Vermont: Law in effect
Related: is it worth it? · railing vs tilted panels · renters guide · all kits · Certification watch · how we verify
Sources
- New Hampshire General Court: SB 540 (2026) bill status (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026) Unreachable from our research environment (empty reply / 502). Needs a manual check.
- Copy of "CHAPTER 262, SB 540-FN - FINAL VERSION" (NH Liberty Alliance bill-text mirror) (Unofficial copy (not relied on); accessed November 10, 2026) Non-official copy. Used to describe the law pending primary confirmation; no rule value relies on it.
- NHPR: New Hampshire state laws on plug-in solar (news report of signing) (Lead only (not relied on); accessed November 10, 2026)
Research note: Status kept as enacted_not_yet_effective because the mirror reproduces the final chaptered text ("Approved: July 02, 2026"; "Remainder effective January 1, 2027") and news reports agree, but every rule is held as "unknown" until gc.nh.gov can be checked. energy.nh.gov and governor.nh.gov also returned 403.
This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.