According to PV-Tech, the state of Maine has approved a new law permitting the installation of plug-in solar equipment, commonly called balcony solar. Governor Janet Mills signed the legislation, which allows systems with a maximum capacity of 1,200 watts. Eligible solar panels must carry certification from UL Solutions or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory.
The law mandates that inverters used in these systems must be designed to deactivate within a very short timeframe following a power disruption. Installations exceeding a specific wattage threshold must be reported to the local utility within one month and completed by a licensed professional. Utilities are barred from demanding prior approval, interconnection applications, fees, or extra equipment from customers.