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

By · Checked

Not yet. HB 1971 is moving through the legislature. Referred to the House Energy Committee on Oct 28, 2025; no action since. Until a law takes effect, your utility's normal rules for connecting solar apply.

Pennsylvania law

Bill moving

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

Bill
HB 1971
Progress
Referred to the House Energy Committee on Oct 28, 2025; no action since.
Source: palegis.us · 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

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

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 Pennsylvania was 20.8¢/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 Pennsylvania

Neighboring states

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

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