Can I Plug In Solar
Check your address

Is balcony (plug-in) solar legal in Illinois?

By · Checked

Not yet. SB 3104 (also HB 4371, HB 4516, HB 4524) is moving through the legislature. Last action May 22, 2026: re-referred to the Senate Assignments Committee (Rule 3-9(a)). As amended in committee on Mar 12, 2026, the bill would ban installing systems over 391 W until the National Electrical Code has a standard for them; a floor amendment filed Apr 24 to ban all of them until then was postponed. The 104th General Assembly's veto session is Nov 17-19 and Dec 1-3, 2026. Until a law takes effect, your utility's normal rules for connecting solar apply.

Illinois law

Bill moving

State law: not yet. A bill is moving through the legislature.

Bill
SB 3104 (also HB 4371, HB 4516, HB 4524)
Progress
Last action May 22, 2026: re-referred to the Senate Assignments Committee (Rule 3-9(a)). As amended in committee on Mar 12, 2026, the bill would ban installing systems over 391 W until the National Electrical Code has a standard for them; a floor amendment filed Apr 24 to ban all of them until then was postponed. The 104th General Assembly's veto session is Nov 17-19 and Dec 1-3, 2026.
Source: ilga.gov · checked . Not law yet. General information, not legal advice.

Federal bill, not law

The federal bill: H.R. 10851

H.R. 10851, the Socket Full of Sunshine Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ-8) on Oct 19, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has no cosponsors and has not passed the House or the Senate.

If it became law, it would require every state to consider rules for plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 W, such as dropping interconnection agreements and utility approval, fees, insurance and extra equipment. Considering is not adopting: even if it passes, it would not make plug-in solar legal in Illinois by itself.

It would also offer grants to states that set up rebate programs for low- and moderate-income households. None of this exists unless the bill passes, and even then a rebate in Illinois would depend on the state applying for a grant.

Sources: H.R. 10851 on congress.gov (status), the introduced text (govinfo.gov). Status checked .

More about plug-in solar in Illinois

How much would a plug-in solar kit save in Illinois?

It depends on which way the panels face, their tilt, how much of the power your home uses as it is made, and your utility's rate. The average residential electricity price in Illinois was 19.0¢/kWh (our 12-month average of EIA data, Aug 2025–Jul 2026). The calculator on canipluginsolar.com models it hour by hour for your address.

Before you buy a kit in Illinois

Neighboring states

Planning a kit in Illinois? Get your step-by-step checklist, from the law's own wording.

Renting in Illinois? Write a letter to your landlord, matched to Illinois's rules.