US states diverge on home electrical work as 2026 code bans DIY EV charger installs while 34 states permit plug in solar
By Eve
The 2026 National Electrical Code, published 20 August 2025 by the National Fire Protection Association, introduces Section 625.4 requiring permanently installed EV chargers to be fitted by qualified persons, effectively banning homeowner installation in most US states as they adopt the update through 2026 and 2027. Meanwhile, 34 states are moving to allow homeowners to install two to four panel plug in solar kits costing around 2,000 US dollars without permits or utility agreements, with Utah, Virginia and Maine already enacting such laws between March 2025 and April 2026.
Why it matters
The code change will push more residential EV charger work to licensed contractors and may slow home charging adoption if installation costs rise, while the solar exemptions signal a policy split that could complicate bundled home energy and charging propositions for charge point operators and installers.
Source
- Original title
- “Three US States Just Made It Legal to Generate Your Own Electricity Without a Permit. A New National Electrical Code Will Soon Ban DIY EV Charger Installation in Most States That Adopt It”
- Published
- 19 May 2026 (date approximate)
- Updated
- 22 September 2026
In this story
- Topic
- EV Charging
- Place
- United States
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