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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Indiana

ConsideringUpdated August 2, 2026

Indiana's House Enrolled Act 1196 (2022) limits HOA power to ban solar but allows bans for about 10 specified reasons and largely excludes condo associations. Net metering ended for new customers in 2022; replaced by Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) credits at roughly wholesale plus 25%, far below retail rates. A 2026 bill that would have exempted plug-in/balcony solar from interconnection rules died in committee, so as of mid-2026 no plug-in-specific protections exist.

Get notified when Indiana goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Indiana passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Indiana While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in Indiana right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~4.4h

Powers: Phone, router, and lights through the outage, plus ~6 hours of CPAP a night

$299 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~16h

Powers: A fridge, router, and lights running through a full day outage

$449 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~31h

Powers: A full-size fridge and CPAP for days, or a window AC unit for a few hours

$749 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 3.0%/yr avg — Low growth
Rates up 16% over the past 5 years
From $0.121/kWh in 2021 → $0.140/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
3.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.121
2021
$0.124
2022
$0.128
2023
$0.132
2024
$0.136
2025
$0.140
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.253/kWh
at 3.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$962
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a Indiana Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Indiana law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At Indiana's avg. $0.140/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $123/year. Payback in as few as 6 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Can my HOA in Indiana ban balcony or plug-in solar panels?
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.
Does Indiana still have net metering for solar?
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.
Do I need utility approval to plug in a small balcony solar unit?
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.
Can my landlord prohibit me from using a plug-in solar panel on my balcony?
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.
Is there any pending Indiana legislation to make plug-in solar easier?
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.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Indiana files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.