Plug-in solar in North Carolina: Bill active

Plug-in solar in North Carolina

Bill active Checked November 10, 2026

North Carolina has two plug-in bills: House Bill 1129 ("Balcony Solar") and Senate Bill 957 ("Portable-Scale Solar Energy Devices"). Both were sent to their chamber's Rules committee in spring 2026 and have had no action since.

Bills

Bill	Stage	Last action	Dates
H1129 Balcony Solar	In committee	Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (April 30, 2026)
S957 Portable-Scale Solar Energy Devices	In committee	Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (May 4, 2026)

The rules

North Carolina has no enacted plug-in solar law. There are no state rules to list; your utility's interconnection rules apply.

What's next

Neither bill has moved since May 2026. Any bill not enacted by the end of the 2025-2026 biennium must be refiled in 2027.

What could it save?

For an 800 W panel kit at North Carolina's average residential price of 14.79¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):

Ideal tilt (20°, south): 1,114 kWh a year: about $114 typical (69% used at home), up to $165 best case (100%)
Vertical railing (90°, south): 710 kWh a year: about $73 typical (69% used at home), up to $105 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 Raleigh (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 North Carolina?

North Carolina has no plug-in solar law yet, though a bill is pending. Without one, small plug-in systems fall under your utility's own interconnection rules. Ask your utility before you connect anything.

Sources

North Carolina General Assembly: H1129 (2025-2026) Balcony Solar (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)
North Carolina General Assembly: S957 (2025-2026) Portable-Scale Solar Energy Devices (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)

Research note: We did not verify which bills the legislature's adjournment resolution still allows it to take up; status may be closer to stalled than active.

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.