Coming Soon — Indiana is considering plug-in solar legislation

Indiana's HEA 1196 (2022) limits HOAs from imposing outright bans on solar energy systems, but allows restrictions for about 10 specific reasons and doesn't clearly cover small plug-in devices that aren't permanently installed. Condo associations that own/maintain exteriors are largely exempt from the law. Check your HOA's covenants and consider requesting written approval before installing.

No. As of 2022, Indiana's major investor-owned utilities (Duke Energy, AES Indiana, NIPSCO, Indiana Michigan Power, CenterPoint) stopped accepting new net metering customers. New solar users are placed on the Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) program, which pays a much lower wholesale-based rate for exported electricity. Systems installed before the phase-out are grandfathered into net metering for a set period.

Technically, any device that exports electricity to the grid is subject to Indiana's interconnection rules, which can require an application, equipment, and fees -- even for small units. A 2026 bill that would have exempted compliant plug-in solar units from these requirements died in committee, so no formal exemption currently exists.

Yes. Indiana has no law giving renters a right to install solar devices. Landlords can restrict or prohibit balcony solar setups through lease terms, and tenants should get written permission before attaching any equipment to balconies or exterior structures.

A bill introduced in the 2026 legislative session would have exempted small plug-in home solar units from Indiana's distributed generation rules and barred utilities from requiring approval, fees, or extra equipment for compliant units. The bill died in committee, but advocates are expected to push similar legislation again in future sessions.