A new Colorado nonprofit is looking to bring distributed solar to households that have traditionally been left out of the residential solar market.
Solar Access Colorado, which bills itself as the state’s first organization dedicated to plug-in and balcony solar systems, has launched with pre-orders for small-scale solar kits ahead of the implementation of Colorado House Bill 26-1007, also known as the Improve Customer Use of Distributed Resources bill. The legislation establishes consumer protections for qualifying portable-scale solar devices, including provisions intended to make adoption easier for renters and homeowners living in communities governed by homeowners associations.
The Denver-based organization is positioning plug-in solar as an alternative for residents who cannot install traditional rooftop systems because they rent, live in multifamily buildings or lack suitable roof space.
“Colorado has taken an important step toward expanding access to distributed solar energy,” said Adam Harris, founder of Solar Access Colorado. “We’re launching Solar Access Colorado to help renters, apartment residents and homeowners participate in the clean energy transition with practical, accessible solar solutions.”
New legislation opens the door for balcony solar
HB26-1007 creates a framework for personal, portable-scale solar generation devices. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the law will protect qualifying systems from unreasonable restrictions on their installation, use and operation.
The legislation also addresses HOA restrictions by treating qualifying portable-scale solar devices as energy efficiency measures under Colorado’s common-interest-community laws. This could help expand access to solar for residents who previously faced restrictions on making property modifications.
However, the law does not eliminate all installation requirements. Reasonable safety-related restrictions remain permissible, including provisions addressing secure mounting, fire prevention, electrical overload and potential property damage.
Solar Access Colorado plans to help consumers understand the new regulatory landscape and navigate product requirements and installation considerations as the law takes effect. Its initial product offering is designed for balconies, patios, fences and other outdoor spaces, giving residents additional options for generating electricity without committing to a conventional rooftop installation.
Expanding the residential solar market
Beyond product sales, Solar Access Colorado plans to work with municipalities, housing organizations, property managers and community groups to broaden access to plug-in solar. The nonprofit also intends to prioritize education and outreach to low-income communities and multifamily households.
As states explore policies supporting smaller, customer-sited generation systems, plug-in solar could become another entry point for residential clean energy adoption. Colorado’s upcoming legislation is providing a framework for that market to develop.
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