Plug-in solar in North Carolina
North Carolina introduced companion bills HB 1129 (House) and SB 957 (Senate) in April 2026 to authorize portable solar energy generation devices up to 1.2 kW, waiving the interconnection agreement requirement in favor of advance notification to the utility.
What HB 1129 / SB 957 would allow
System size
Up to 1,200W AC
UL or NRTL-certified certification required. Customers must notify their electric power supplier using a standardized commission-prescribed form at least 15 days prior to operating the device; systems must include anti-islanding protection to cease grid export during outages.
No utility approval
Interconnection waived
No application to your utility required. Self-installation with listed equipment is sufficient.
Get notified when this bill passes
We track North Carolina's plug-in solar bill. We'll alert you the moment it clears the legislature.
Where HB 1129 / SB 957 stands right now
Introduced
Apr 29, 2026
Committee
Floor Vote
Signed
Takes effect
In committee
SB 957 received its first reading in the North Carolina Senate and was referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.
Recent updates
May
4
2026
SB 957 received its first reading in the North Carolina Senate and was referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.
Apr
30
2026
HB 1129 passed first reading and was referred to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House committee; companion SB 957 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.
Apr
29
2026
North Carolina House Bill 1129 'Balcony Solar' was filed, proposing to authorize portable solar energy generation devices up to 1.2 kW without a utility interconnection agreement.
What you could save once plug-in solar is legal in North Carolina
Estimate assumes current electricity rates once legislation passes.
Monthly savings
$13
Annual savings
$156
Payback period
~8 yrs
Based on 13.26¢/kWh avg rate · 800W system · 4.9 peak sun hours/day
Products Available in North Carolina
Since plug-in solar isn't yet regulated in North Carolina, your best option for getting started with solar power are these portable power stations. These systems do not connect to your home's wall outlets — instead, you plug your devices directly into the power station.
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