Signed in August 2026, Colorado House Bill 26-1007 allows residents to install small plug-in solar systems, sometimes called balcony solar or plug-in photovoltaics (PIPV). These systems are designed to provide a simple way to generate a small amount of solar energy at home without a traditional rooftop solar installation.
For members interested in plug-in solar, it’s important to understand how these systems work, their limitations, and the notification requirements under state law.
Plug-in solar systems typically consist of one to four solar panels paired with a microinverter.
Rather than connecting through a traditional solar interconnection and net-metering setup, these systems plug directly into your home’s electrical system and are designed to offset a portion of your daytime electricity use.
Colorado law allows plug-in solar systems up to 1.92 kW (1,920 watts), making them significantly smaller than most rooftop solar installations. Only one plug-in solar system is allowed per address.
Plug-in solar systems are used at the member’s own risk. Holy Cross Energy does not warrant or guarantee the performance, safety, or compatibility of any PIPV equipment and is not liable for damages, injuries, or losses related to its installation or use.
Under Colorado law:
Technology standards for these systems are still evolving, and you should verify that any equipment you purchase complies with current Colorado requirements.
State law requires electric utilities to allow qualifying plug-in solar systems, but it also requires residents to notify their utility when a system is installed.
If you install a plug-in solar system, please contact us so we can maintain accurate records and ensure your system is connected safely and in accordance with applicable requirements.
As required by state law, please fill out the following form to notify us of your portable solar installation. We will follow up with additional information needed for the equipment approval.
