Is balcony solar legal in Utah?
Yes. Utah has a plug-in solar law in effect.
Up to 1,200 W maximum power output. In effect since May 7, 2025. Utah was the first state with a plug-in solar law.
- Size limit
- 1,200 W
- Utility notice
- None
- Electricity price
- 13.2¢/kWh
- 800 W kit payback
- 6.7 years
The law at a glance
| Status | Law in effect |
|---|---|
| Bill | HB 340 (2025 General Session) |
| Where it lives in law | Utah Code §54-15-102(13) and §54-15-601 |
| Signed | March 2025 |
| Effective | May 7, 2025 |
| Size limit | Up to 1,200 W maximum power output |
| Certification | Certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, and meets the most recent National Electrical Code. |
What your utility can and can't require
- Exempt from interconnection requirements and from signing an interconnection agreement.
- Not part of the net metering program.
- The utility may not require approval before you install, charge a fee, or require extra controls or equipment beyond what is built into the system.
- The utility is not liable for damage or injury caused by the device.
Renters, landlords and HOAs
- The statute does not address landlords or homeowner associations, so lease and HOA rules still apply.
Other requirements
- Must plug into a standard 120-volt outlet.
- Must include a feature that stops it from energizing the building wiring during a power outage.
- Intended mainly to offset part of your own consumption.
What a balcony kit would save in Utah
Utah's average residential price was 13.2¢ per kWh for January–August 2026, below the US average of 18.2¢ and up 3% from the same months of 2025 (EIA). That ranks 48 of 51 for price.
| 800 W kit, $700 | kWh per year | Savings per year | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging on a south-facing railing | 1002 | $105 | 6.7 years |
| East / west railing (average of both directions) | 756 | $79 | 8.8 years |
| Tilted 35° on a stand, facing south | 1453 | $127 | 5.5 years |
Assumes a constant 300 W load, no additional shade and no export credit. Hourly-derived typical-year model for Salt Lake City, a representative location rather than a state average. How we calculate.
Before you buy
- Confirm the law is in effect on the day you plan to install.
- Choose a kit certified to the standard Utah names. See UL 3700 explained.
- Check your lease or HOA rules. See renters and HOAs.
- Pick an outlet on a circuit without heavy loads. See safety.
- Send your utility any required notice before plugging in.
Common questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Utah?
Yes. Utah has a plug-in solar law in effect. Up to 1,200 W maximum power output. In effect since May 7, 2025. Utah was the first state with a plug-in solar law. Status checked October 29, 2026.
What is the wattage limit for balcony solar in Utah?
Up to 1,200 W maximum power output.
Do I need to tell my utility in Utah?
Exempt from interconnection requirements and from signing an interconnection agreement. Not part of the net metering program. The utility may not require approval before you install, charge a fee, or require extra controls or equipment beyond what is built into the system. The utility is not liable for damage or injury caused by the device.
Can renters install balcony solar in Utah?
The statute does not address landlords or homeowner associations, so lease and HOA rules still apply.
How much would balcony solar save in Utah?
At Utah's average residential price of 13.2¢/kWh, an 800 W kit hanging on a south-facing railing would save about $105 a year in our model, paying back a $700 kit in about 6.7 years. The average of east- and west-facing railing scenarios saves about $79.
Sources for Utah
Found something out of date? Email [email protected]. We log fixes on the corrections page. This page is general information, not legal advice.