Plug-In Solar Is Advancing Across America.

Lower Bills. Backup Power.

The definitive US resource for plug-in solar energy — educating consumers on lower bills, energy resilience, and clean power access, and helping the industry build the ecosystem that makes plug-in solar mainstream.

10 states have permitted plug-in solar. 9 states have bills pending.

How Plug-In Solar Works

A new category of solar energy that plugs into a GFCI outlet. Far more affordable than traditional solar — no roof modifications, no permits in enacted states, and minimal electrical work.

1. Place — Set up solar panels on your balcony, patio, or backyard. No roof mounting needed.
2. Plug — Connect the system to a GFCI outlet. The built-in microinverter converts DC to AC.
3. Save — Your meter slows down as solar offsets consumption. Battery storage shifts energy to peak hours.

Start with Plug-In Solar 101, then check your setup readiness or estimate potential savings.

Who Is Plug-In Solar For?

• Renters — Explore lower bills and backup power without permanent roof modifications.
• Homeowners — Start with a portable system that can expand with your needs.
• Property Managers — Evaluate tenant requests and common-area opportunities.
• Retail Energy Providers — Explore solar-and-storage service opportunities in appropriate markets.

Where is plug-in solar legal?

We track every US state's plug-in solar legislation — from active bills and committee hearings to signed laws and implementation rules. Updated weekly with primary source citations.

Featured Articles

• Brand Review: Rowkin Energy — Foldable Plug-In Solar Kits, Home Energy Guidance & Pro Support — Rowkin Energy pairs 420 W and 840 W foldable solar kits with home-specific Energy Agent guidance and optional Pro support. Compare equipment, pricing, space needs and safety considerations.
• California SB 868 Passes Legislature: What Happens Next for Plug-In Solar — California, America’s most populous state, has signed SB 868—a major opening for plug-in solar. Explore what a solar setup could mean for your bill as the new utility framework approaches its expected January 1, 2027 effective date.
• Brand Review: Craftstrom — Modular Plug-In Solar, Storage & Zero-Export Controls — Craftstrom offers two 800 W solar kits, a PowerMeter and separate modular battery storage. Its kits do not yet have UL 3700 certification; compare connectivity, prices and installation considerations.
• California Plug-In Solar for Renters and Condo Owners: Get Your Space Ready for 2027 — A California pre-2027 checklist for renters and condo owners: measure sunlight, sort property permissions, and verify exact product documents before considering a purchase.
• New York's SUNNY Act: What the Legislature's Passage Means for 5 Million Renters — The New York State Legislature passed the SUNNY Act (A9111C / S8512C) on May 28, 2026 — both chambers. With electricity rates at 28.4¢/kWh and over 60% of NYC households renting, here's what the bill means, what it allows, and what comes next as it awaits Governor Hochul's signature.
• New Jersey Garden State Balcony Solar Act Signed Into Law: What P.L.2026, c.82 Means — Governor Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey's Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836) on September 1, 2026 as P.L.2026, c.82. The ninth enacted state framework takes effect March 1, 2027.
• Maryland's Utility RELIEF Act: What HB 1532 Means for Renters and Deregulated Customers — Governor Wes Moore signed Maryland's HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act) into law on May 12, 2026, making Maryland the 5th US state to legalize plug-in solar. Here's what the new law means for Maryland's 370,000 deregulated electricity customers — and why the state's unique market structure makes plug-in solar especially powerful here.
• Colorado Signs HB 26-1007 Into Law: The Highest US Plug-In Solar Limit at 1,920W — Governor Jared Polis signed HB 26-1007 into law on May 7, 2026, making Colorado the 4th US state to legalize plug-in solar. With a 1,920W limit — the highest of any US plug-in solar law — Colorado opens the door to larger, more powerful systems than any other state. The session law took effect August 12, 2026; some utility implementation work continues through year-end.
• Are More Homes Using Solar Batteries and Flexible Rates? What the Latest Utility Data Can Tell Us — EIA’s final 2025 utility data show higher reported residential counts for net-metered PV paired with storage, dynamic-pricing enrollment, and demand-response participation. Here is what those measures reveal—and what they cannot tell you about one household.
• Foldable vs. Rigid vs. Flexible Solar Panels for Plug-In Solar: Which Form Factor Fits Your Space? — Compare conventional rigid glass modules, lightweight non-glass flexible panels, and framed foldable hybrids. See the pros, cons and suitable spaces for each, plus the compatibility checks that matter.
• Plug-In Solar 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Whether It's Right for You — Everything you need to know about plug-in solar — from how the technology works to realistic savings estimates and who it makes sense for.
• What to Look For in a Plug-In Solar System: A Spec-by-Spec Buyer's Guide — A brand-neutral, spec-first guide to evaluating plug-in solar systems — covering wattage, battery capacity, inverter type, safety certifications, warranty, and what the marketing numbers actually mean.