Plug-in solar in Idaho
Bill failed or died Checked November 10, 2026
Idaho House Bill 612, introduced by the House State Affairs Committee, would have exempted portable solar generators from public utility rules. It was printed and referred to State Affairs on February 11, 2026 and did not advance.
Bills
| Bill | Stage | Last action | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| H 612 Solar - exempts portable solar generators from public utilities | Died when the session ended | Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs (February 11, 2026) | Session ended: April 2, 2026 (record) |
Idaho Senate Journal, April 2, 2026: the Senate adjourned sine die (the House the same evening).
The rules
Idaho has no enacted plug-in solar law. There are no state rules to list; your utility's interconnection rules apply.
What's next
A new bill would be needed in the 2027 session.
What could it save?
For an 800 W panel kit at Idaho's average residential price of 12.77¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):
- Ideal tilt (20°, south)
- 1,169 kWh a year: about $103 typical (69% used at home), up to $149 best case (100%)
- Vertical railing (90°, south)
- 784 kWh a year: about $69 typical (69% used at home), up to $100 best case (100%)
"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Boise (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted
Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).
Questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Idaho?
Idaho has no plug-in solar law. Without one, small plug-in systems fall under your utility's own interconnection rules. Ask your utility before you connect anything.
Neighbouring states
- Montana: No bill found
- Nevada: No bill found
- Oregon: Bill failed or died
- Utah: Law in effect
- Washington: Bill failed or died
- Wyoming: Bill failed or died
Related: is it worth it? · railing vs tilted panels · renters guide · all kits · Certification watch · how we verify
Sources
- Idaho Legislature: H0612 (2026) bill page (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)
- Idaho Senate Journal, April 2, 2026 (day 81) (Official legislature record; accessed November 10, 2026)
Research note: The Idaho page shows dates as month/day only; 2026 is from the session URL.
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.