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Colorado Makes History: The New Law Bringing Plug-In Solar to the Masses

Colorado Makes History: The New Law Bringing Plug-In Solar to the Masses

For years, if you wanted to go solar in Colorado, you faced a big hurdle: a hefty price tag. Traditional rooftop installations average around $30,000, making them a non-starter for many renters and homeowners with tight budgets.

But a new state law signed by Governor Jared Polis on May 7, 2026, is changing the game. It legalizes "plug-in solar," also known as balcony solar, and is set to democratize access to renewable energy in one of the sunniest states in the nation.

Here's what you need to know about the new law, how it works, and why you can't buy a certified kit just yet.

Wait, What Exactly Is Plug-In Solar?

Plug-in solar is essentially a small, portable solar kit that can be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

These systems are not meant to power your whole house, but it can significantly offset your energy use.

  • The Hardware: A typical system consists of one to four solar panels and a micro-inverter.
  • The Setup: You place the panels on a balcony, in a yard, or against a fence, plug the cord into an interior outlet, and start generating power immediately.
  • The Savings: An analysis from the University of Colorado Boulder estimates that an 800-watt setup could save a typical household around **$206 annually**. Costs for these kits range from a few hundred to about $3,000, making them far more accessible than a $30,000+ rooftop installation.

A Game-Changer for Renters and the Budget-Conscious

Before this law, plug-in solar was essentially banned in Colorado. HB26-1007, also known as the "Improve Customer Use Distributed Energy Resources Act," removes major barriers:

  • No More Bans: Utility companies cannot prohibit or charge fees for using these systems.
  • Renter Protections: Homeowners associations and landlords cannot unreasonably prohibit the installation of plug-in solar devices.
  • Meter Collars Encouraged: The legislation also promotes the use of meter collars, devices that allow solar connection without costly electrical panel upgrades.

The law defines plug-in solar as a distributed energy resource and requires all devices to meet the UL 3700 product safety standard to ensure grid safety.

The Big Catch: Why You Can't Buy a Kit Right Now

While the law is on the books and goes into full effect on January 1, 2027, here's the reality: you can't go out and buy a UL 3700-certified plug-in solar kit in Colorado today.

1. The UL 3700 Certification Program Is Brand New

The testing and certification framework for plug-in solar systems was only announced by UL Solutions in January 2026. This program establishes clear construction, performance, and labeling criteria specifically for plug-in solar systems, also known as balcony solar. As a UL Solutions executive noted at the time, they were not aware of any plug-in solar kits that had completed the UL 3700 certification process.

The UL 3700 standard addresses specific safety risks:

  • Preventing systems from becoming overloaded
  • Avoiding accidental contact with hazardous electrical parts
  • Stopping power from flowing back into the lines during an outage (anti-islanding protection)

2. U.S. Requirements Are Stricter Than You Think

Here's the part most people don't realize: UL 3700 doesn't actually allow you to plug these systems into just any standard outlet in your house.

According to technical analysis from experts, UL 3700 requires a dedicated, certified interconnection receptacle with specific circuit protections. That means even for small systems, a licensed electrician may need to install a dedicated circuit. This requirement makes U.S. plug-in solar very different from the simple, low-cost systems used in countries like Germany.

3. Manufacturers Are Still in Development

While no certified products are available yet, companies are working on solutions. APsystems has announced its EZ1 Plug-In Microinverter, designed for DIY balcony solar setups. The EZ1 supports two solar panels, features built-in safety relays, and can be configured for different power outputs based on local regulations.

Notably, APsystems representatives have confirmed that their products are already being sold in Maine following that state's plug-in solar law, suggesting they are working toward compliance with UL standards. However, as of now, no company has confirmed that their current products are UL 3700 certified.

4. The Effective Date Is Still Months Away

Colorado's law specifically states that the rules go into effect on January 1, 2027. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission must update interconnection rules by December 31, 2026 to ensure utilities allow certified devices. This timeline means manufacturers are racing to get certified products ready, but they won't be available until the regulatory framework is fully in place.

What This Means for You

Consumer Advice

Industry experts strongly encourage consumers to wait for systems that are officially UL-listed to ensure safety and avoid buying a product that might not be compliant. The UL mark on the product or packaging is your assurance that it meets safety standards.

Where to Find Products When They Become Available

SolarPanelStore.com, is a Colorado-based company that has been operating since 2002, and we will be selling plug-in solar products when they become available. It's worth checking our site periodically for updates on UL 3700-certified kits.

Why This Matters

Colorado is joining the ranks of Germany, where millions of households already use plug-in solar, and states like Utah, Virginia, and Maine that have passed similar laws. With electricity prices projected to rise significantly in the coming years, this law provides a timely solution for those looking to cut costs and their carbon footprint.

The wait for certified products is a necessary step to ensure safety and reliability. But when UL 3700-certified kits finally hit the market, Colorado will be ready to embrace the solar revolution, one balcony at a time.

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Why Your Solar Setup’s Nighttime Power Draw Matters. And How Eco Energy Excels.

Why Your Solar Setup’s Nighttime Power Draw Matters. And How Eco Energy Excels.

If you use solar panels to power equipment in remote or cold environments, you already know that every bit of energy counts. But did you know that the device regulating your solar power could be draining your battery all night long?

A new study (details below) highlights a critical factor in solar system design: night consumption. This is the power your solar regulator uses when the sun isn’t shining. In extreme environments like Antarctica, where winter means months of darkness, this hidden drain can mean the difference between a system that survives the winter and one that fails.

Solar regulators always use a small amount of energy, even at night. This is often overlooked. Some regulators draw surprisingly high current, which can deplete batteries faster than expected. This can lead to system shutdown, damaged batteries, or frozen equipment in cold climates.

The study tested 16 commercial solar regulators and found that not all manufacturer specs are accurate. Some units drew significantly more power at night than claimed.

This is where Eco Energy’s ASC30W regulator stands out. In the study, it was one of the top performers. It had a measured night consumption of just 0.04 mA. That is exactly as specified. To put that in perspective, it uses only 4% of the power of a typical data logger. That is remarkably efficient.

When compared to other regulators, the difference is dramatic. Some MPPT regulators drew over 40 mA at night. The Eco Energy ASC30W used less than 1% of the power of the highest-draw regulator tested.

A quote from the paper "The Genasun GV-4, Genasun GV-5 and Eco Energy ASC30W offer the best overall performance, allowing the use of a 5 Ah battery, with a mass of < 2 kg. Choosing one of these best-performing regulators results in a 26× reduction in battery mass and a 13× reduction in battery price when compared with the Victron MPPT 75/10."

The researchers showed that choosing an efficient regulator like the Eco Energy ASC30W can reduce the required battery capacity by a factor of 26. That means battery mass drops from about 45 kg to just 1.7 kg. Battery cost falls by about 13 times. Your system becomes more reliable through polar winters.

For anyone deploying solar in harsh, dark, or cold conditions, this is a game-changer for logistics, cost, and success rates.

When designing a solar-powered system for challenging environments, follow these steps. First, look beyond the instrument’s power draw. Consider the regulator’s night consumption. Second, verify manufacturer specs. Not all are accurate. Third, choose efficient regulators like the Eco Energy ASC30W! This will minimize hidden power drain, extend battery life, and reduce system size and cost.

At SolarPanelStore.com, we are proud to offer products like the Eco Energy S3 12V, which is the newest model of the ASC30W controller mentioned in this post and study. They deliver real performance where it counts!

Source: Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 14, 503–512, 2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-14-503-2025

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  • Loren Geist
Featured Product - Go Power! 30A 12V Controller with Blue Tooth - GP-SB-PWM-30BT

Featured Product - Go Power! 30A 12V Controller with Blue Tooth - GP-SB-PWM-30BT

It’s been a while since we updated the blog—sorry about that. As summer kicks into gear and the adventures start rolling in, we've been hearing a lot of questions about charge controllers for RVs and small off-grid setups. So we figured it’s a good time to highlight one of our most popular and reliable controllers this season: the GP-SB-PWM-30BT from Go Power.

If you're living in an RV or managing a small off-grid solar setup, you've probably spent time wondering if your batteries are charging properly. The Go Power GP-SB-PWM-30-BT solar controller is one of those behind-the-scenes devices that quietly makes everything work better. It protects your batteries from overcharging and helps you get the most out of your solar panels, all without needing much from you.

This 12-volt controller can handle up to 30 amps of solar input. It works with all the usual battery types including AGM, gel, flooded, and lithium. The four-stage charging system adjusts automatically, so your batteries get the charge they need without being overworked.

One of the best features is the Bluetooth app. You can check your system’s performance from your phone, seeing real-time charging status, battery levels, and more without digging around in your rig. It’s especially helpful if your controller is mounted somewhere inconvenient or if you just like having everything at your fingertips.

The unit is built to handle tough conditions, including extreme temperatures, and it’s got protections built in to guard against short circuits, overvoltage, and reversed connections. It’s compact, has a backlit screen for easy reading, and mounts flush for a clean look.

Whether you’re traveling full-time or just want a solid setup at your off-grid cabin, this solar controller adds a level of reliability that’s easy to appreciate. It quietly keeps your power flowing so you can focus on enjoying the view, not worrying about your batteries.

You can find this on the site for just $107.99! - Go Power! 30A 12V 30 AMP Single Bank Controller with Blue Tooth - GP-SB-PWM-30BT

If you have any questions about this product, or anything else solar electric related and want to speak with a person, we are always happy to help! Email us at info@solarpanelstore.com or give us a call at 800.766.7644. 

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  • Loren Geist
Happy Holidays! 2022 is almost wrapped up!

Happy Holidays! 2022 is almost wrapped up!

Dear valued customers and partners,

As the holiday season approaches, we at SolarPanelStore.com would like to take a moment to thank you for your support throughout the year. It has been a challenging year for everyone, but we are grateful to have had the opportunity to continue serving you and helping you make the switch to renewable energy.

Renewable energy is more important now than ever before. As we work to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations, the shift to clean, sustainable sources of energy is crucial. Solar panels are a key part of this transition, providing a reliable and renewable source of power that can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

We are truly grateful to have such wonderful customers and partners who share our commitment to a better, more sustainable future. Your support and partnership have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the coming year.

From all of us at SolarPanelStore.com, we wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. Thank you for choosing us as your partner in the transition to renewable energy.

Sincerely, Loren and Dan (Team SolarPanelStore.com)

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