Plug-in solar in Maine
Maine LD 1730 was signed by Governor Janet Mills on April 6, 2026, as Chapter 644, with an effective date on or after July 15, 2026. The law allows plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts with tiered installation and utility notification requirements based on system size.
What LD 1730 actually allows
System size
Up to 1,200W AC
UL 3700 certification required. Systems up to 420W may be self-installed if compliant with NEC Article 705; systems from 420W to 1,200W require installation by a licensed electrician on a dedicated single-outlet circuit and utility notification within 30 days of installation. Inverters must provide 0.2-second anti-islanding protection.
No utility approval
Interconnection waived
No application to your utility required. Self-installation with listed equipment is sufficient.
Where LD 1730 stands right now
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Signed
Apr 6, 2026
Takes effect
Jul 15, 2026
Now in effect
Maine's plug-in solar law, LD 1730 (Chapter 644), took effect, legalizing plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts under a tiered installation and utility-notification framework.
Legislative history
Jul
15
2026
Maine's plug-in solar law, LD 1730 (Chapter 644), took effect, legalizing plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts under a tiered installation and utility-notification framework.
Apr
6
2026
Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1730 into law as Chapter 644, with an effective date on or after July 15, 2026.
Apr
2
2026
The Maine Legislature gave final approval to LD 1730, sending the plug-in solar bill to the governor's desk.
Mar
24
2026
The Maine House of Representatives passed LD 1730 on enactment by a vote of 79–65.
Mar
18
2026
The Maine Senate passed LD 1730 to be engrossed as amended by a vote of 29–3.
Mar
17
2026
The Maine Senate accepted the committee's majority Ought To Pass As Amended report for LD 1730 by a vote of 25–8.
Mar
12
2026
The Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology reported LD 1730 out with a divided report — majority Ought To Pass As Amended and minority Ought Not To Pass.
Jan
29
2026
The Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology held a work session on LD 1730 and voted 10–2 in favor of passage.
Apr
22
2025
LD 1730, sponsored by Senator Nicole Grohoski and Representative Gary Friedmann, was introduced in the 132nd Legislature and referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology.
What an 800W system saves in Maine
Monthly savings
$20
Annual savings
$238
Payback period
~5 yrs
Based on 25.47¢/kWh avg rate · 800W system · 3.9 peak sun hours/day
Products to Consider in Maine
These catalog picks are a starting point for Maine buyers under LD 1730. Look for the UL 3700 standard and a standard 120V outlet connection — confirm local rules and stock before you buy.
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