Illinois Lawmakers Push for Plug-In Solar Expansion

The Plug-In Illinois Act aims to make clean energy more accessible for renters and condo owners

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois legislators, led by State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Daniel Didech, have introduced the Plug-In Illinois Act (SB3104/HB4524) to expand access to affordable plug-in balcony solar power across the state. The legislation would allow consumers to buy certified solar systems and plug them into standard wall outlets, making clean energy more accessible for renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs.

Why it matters

This legislation would make Illinois one of the first states in the nation to enact plug-in solar laws, following Utah's lead, and could serve as a model for other states looking to expand access to clean energy solutions beyond traditional rooftop solar. The Plug-In Illinois Act aims to provide more Illinoisans, especially those who have been left out of the clean energy transition, with a practical and affordable way to generate their own power, lower electricity bills, and contribute to a cleaner grid.

The details

The Plug-In Illinois Act would update outdated regulations and remove barriers to allow consumers to purchase certified plug-in solar systems that can be easily installed on balconies, patios, or small outdoor spaces. These systems would be required to meet rigorous safety standards and would be limited in size to ensure they can safely operate on a standard household circuit. By making plug-in solar more accessible, the legislation seeks to empower renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs to participate in the clean energy transition and see tangible savings on their electricity bills.

  • The Plug-In Illinois Act (SB3104/HB4524) was introduced in the Illinois General Assembly in March 2026.

The players

Rachel Ventura

State Senator and sponsor of the Plug-In Illinois Act.

Daniel Didech

State Representative and sponsor of the Plug-In Illinois Act.

Eva-Dina Delgado

Illinois State Representative who spoke about the safety features of the plug-in solar systems.

Abdelnasser Rashid

Illinois State Representative who discussed the potential for plug-in solar to provide relief from rising electricity costs.

Kavi Chintam

Campaign Manager for Illinois at Vote Solar, a nonprofit advocacy organization supporting the Plug-In Illinois Act.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today, we're making clean energy more accessible and affordable while focusing on safety. Plug in solar is designed with strong safety protections and modern technology that meets rigorous standards, while giving people a real way to lower their electricity bills. Illinois has long been a leader in expanding access to clean energy solutions, and plug-in solar is the next step in that progress.”

— Rachel Ventura, State Senator and sponsor of the Plug-In Illinois Act

“For too long, solar has been limited to homeowners with the right kind of roof. That leaves out renters, condo owners, and Illinois families who want to participate in the clean energy transition but don't have a pathway to do so. Plug-in solar changes that. With this bill, we're allowing more people to generate their own power, lower their bills, and be part of our clean energy future. No rooftop, no major installation, just a simple and practical solution that works for how many Illinoisans live.”

— Daniel Didech, State Representative and sponsor of the Plug-In Illinois Act

“This legislation expands access to affordable, clean power and was designed with safety as the top priority. It requires plug-in solar systems to be certified, meaning they incorporate safety features like inverters that automatically shut off during outages, and sets conservative limits on system size so they remain well within the capacity of a standard household circuit. Illinoisans should feel confident that this is a carefully designed policy that prioritizes their safety while allowing innovation to move forward.”

— Eva-Dina Delgado, Illinois State Representative

“Families across Illinois are feeling the pressure of rising electricity costs. The Plug-In Illinois Act offers a practical, commonsense way to provide relief. Plug-in solar allows households to generate a portion of their own electricity, reducing how much they need to buy from the grid and lowering monthly bills. It's all about giving people another tool to manage costs and have more control over their energy bills.”

— Abdelnasser Rashid, Illinois State Representative

“Plug-in solar is one of the most practical ways to expand access to clean energy in Illinois. It meets people where they are – whether they rent, live in a condo, or simply can't install rooftop solar – and gives them a straightforward way to lower their electricity bills. With strong safety standards and clear rules, the Plug-In Illinois Act opens the door for more Illinoisans to participate in the clean energy transition and see real, tangible savings. This is about putting power – literally and financially – into the hands of Illinois families.”

— Kavi Chintam, Campaign Manager for Illinois at Vote Solar

What’s next

The Plug-In Illinois Act (SB3104/HB4524) has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly and will now go through the legislative process, including committee hearings and votes, before potentially being signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

The Plug-In Illinois Act represents a significant step forward in making clean energy more accessible and affordable for a wider range of Illinois residents, including renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs. By removing regulatory barriers and providing a clear framework for plug-in solar systems, this legislation could serve as a model for other states looking to expand access to distributed solar power and empower more people to participate in the clean energy transition.