Boulder plug-in and balcony solar

Statewide rules come from HB26-1007. City pages add local context only where we can source it. Not legal advice.

What HB26-1007 means in Boulder

• Qualifying portable-scale kits up to 1,920 W to the grid.
• Your electric provider cannot require approval or a device fee; it may require notice with size in kW.
• From January 1, 2027, unreasonable HOA bans are void; reasonable securing and safety rules may remain.

Utility notes

Boulder electric service is commonly provided by Xcel Energy. Same statewide rules: no approval requirement for a qualifying portable-scale device; notice of kW size may be required. Confirm notice steps with Xcel.

Local context

Golden, just southeast of Boulder, hosts the National Laboratory of the Rockies. PVWatts help docs use the Golden campus address as a worked example, which is a useful reminder that this corridor is a reference climate for US solar modeling. Run PVWatts for your Boulder address before you buy.

Boulder County condo HOAs often already regulate balcony clutter and wind loads. Document a secure mount and NRTL listing when you give notice.

Sun estimate for your address

Run PVWatts with your Boulder street address for a preliminary production estimate. The calculator is maintained by the National Laboratory of the Rockies.

Next steps

1. Read the Colorado law page.
2. Pick a kit under 1,920 W with anti-islanding from the kit list.
3. Notify your utility the way they ask, and give your HOA/landlord written notice if required.

Keywords: Boulder balcony solar, Boulder plug-in solar, Colorado HOA solar law.