Plug-in Solar Tracker

Plug-in solar for renters

Plug-in solar suits renters: it plugs into an outlet and can move with you. Whether your landlord can say no depends on your state.

States where the law protects renters

4 state laws limit a landlord's ability to ban plug-in solar. Each comes with conditions, usually advance notice to the landlord.

Colorado

From January 1, 2027, no person may unreasonably prohibit installation or use, and restrictive covenants are void; a property owner may set reasonable restrictions, including prior notice, fire or overload prevention, and location (40-2-140(7)).

Law in effect since August 12, 2026. The renter and HOA protections start January 1, 2027. Read the law

New Jersey

A landlord may not prohibit a tenant who pays for their own electricity from using a device within the leased premises, including a balcony or patio. Reasonable restrictions are allowed. The tenant gives 14 days' written notice with documentation (Sec. 3).

Law takes effect March 1, 2027. Read the law

Vermont

A tenant must give the landlord at least 10 days' notice. The landlord may respond within 10 days with reasonable restrictions, such as requiring a licensed electrician at the tenant's cost; if the landlord does not respond, the tenant may proceed (256(g)).

Law in effect since July 1, 2026. Read the law

Virginia

A landlord who owns more than four rental units may not ban a device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, but may set reasonable size, place and manner rules. Tenants give 7 days' notice with documentation. Not available in units billed by ratio utility billing (55.1-1212.1).

Law takes effect January 1, 2027. Read the law

States where the law is silent on renters

In California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, and Utah, the plug-in law does not mention landlords, so it does not override your lease. A lease that bans alterations, wiring changes or items on balconies may still apply. Maine adds one rule for anyone using a building they don't own: the system must not damage the structure or break building, fire or zoning codes, and you must restore the structure when you remove it.

New Hampshire: we have not yet confirmed what the law says. See the state page.

In states without a plug-in law, there is no state rule for landlords at all. Your lease and your utility's rules apply.

Before you buy: a renter's checklist

  1. Read your lease for clauses on alterations, balconies, railings and electrical use.
  2. Tell your landlord in writing, even where the law doesn't require it. Include the product name, its certification, and where it will go. In Vermont (10 days), Virginia (7 days) and New Jersey (14 days), written notice is part of the law.
  3. Check who pays for electricity. New Jersey's protection covers tenants who pay for their own electricity. Virginia's excludes units billed by "ratio utility billing" (where the building's bill is split among tenants).
  4. Plan safe mounting. Vermont requires the device to be "temporarily but securely attached". Several laws let landlords set reasonable rules on size and placement.
  5. Don't do electrical work. Vermont bars tenants from electrical work without the landlord's permission. Virginia bars installs that alter wiring without written approval. A plug-in kit should need none.
  6. Check the rules for your utility. Maryland and Virginia require a notice to the utility before you install. See your state.
  7. Ask your renters insurance whether it covers the device and any damage it could cause. Virginia's and New Jersey's laws make the tenant responsible for damage the device causes.

Moving out

Unplug the kit, take it down and repair any mounting holes. If you move to another state, check that state's rules first: size limits and certification rules differ.

Every statement about a state comes from that state's enacted law, linked above. Checked November 10, 2026. Laws change: see the updates page.

This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.