Breaking
Maine LD 1730 Signed—Maine becomes the 2nd US state to legalize plug-in solar.Read the story·Maine details|Virginia HB 395 Signed Into Law—Gov. Spanberger signed Chapter 1052 on April 22. Virginia is the 3rd US state to legalize plug-in solar. Effective July 1, 2026.Read the story·Virginia details|Maryland HB 1532 Awaiting Signature—Passed both chambers. Gov. Moore expected to sign. Effective Oct 1, 2026.Read the story·Maryland details|New York SUNNY Act — Passed Senate—S.8512B passed the NY Senate on April 21 (Earth Day). Assembly vote pending.NY details|Colorado HB 26-1007 Awaiting Signature—Passed both chambers Apr 14. Gov. Polis expected to sign. Up to 1,920W.Read the story·Colorado details|
Maine LD 1730 Signed—Maine becomes the 2nd US state to legalize plug-in solar.Read the story·Maine details|Virginia HB 395 Signed Into Law—Gov. Spanberger signed Chapter 1052 on April 22. Virginia is the 3rd US state to legalize plug-in solar. Effective July 1, 2026.Read the story·Virginia details|Maryland HB 1532 Awaiting Signature—Passed both chambers. Gov. Moore expected to sign. Effective Oct 1, 2026.Read the story·Maryland details|New York SUNNY Act — Passed Senate—S.8512B passed the NY Senate on April 21 (Earth Day). Assembly vote pending.NY details|Colorado HB 26-1007 Awaiting Signature—Passed both chambers Apr 14. Gov. Polis expected to sign. Up to 1,920W.Read the story·Colorado details|

Plug-In Solar Is Coming to 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.

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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, and minimal electrical work.

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01

Place

Set up solar panels on your balcony, patio, or backyard. No roof mounting or structural modifications needed.

02

Plug

Connect the system to a GFCI outlet — the same type found on most balconies, patios, and garages. The built-in microinverter converts DC to AC and feeds power directly into your home circuits.

03

Save

Your meter slows down as solar offsets your consumption. Battery storage lets you shift energy to peak-rate hours for maximum savings — and keeps your lights on when the grid goes down.

Two plug-in solar panels angled on a rooftop balcony railing — a real-world balcony power station

Balcony solar panels — no roof access needed

Freestanding plug-in solar panels laid flat on a wooden deck — portable and renter-friendly setup

Freestanding backyard system — portable and renter-friendly

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.

3
Permitted
2
Awaiting Signature
19
Pending
25
Unclear
View Full State Tracker

Click any state for details. Updated weekly.

Who We Serve

Plug-in solar impacts everyone in the energy ecosystem. We provide tailored information for each audience.

Renters

44M+ US renters can now cut their electricity bills and gain backup power. Check your state's laws, generate a landlord letter, and estimate your savings.

Renter's Guide

Homeowners

Start saving immediately or add resilience to your existing setup. Understand how plug-in solar compares to traditional installations.

Homeowner's Guide

Property Managers

Prepare for tenant solar rights legislation. Offer residents lower bills and backup power while protecting your property.

Manager's Guide

Electricians & Contractors

A new service line is emerging. Learn about UL 3700, NEC Article 690/705, and how to position your business.

Professional Guide

Solar Installers

Plug-in solar isn't competition — it's a complementary channel. Expand your addressable market.

Installer's Guide

Energy Providers

Distributed plug-in solar reduces peak demand and builds grid resilience. Understand the savings opportunity for REPs and utilities.

Partner Overview

A new energy movement is taking shape.

Plug-in solar is more than a product — it's the foundation of a new energy ecosystem. One where clean power is affordable, resilient, and accessible to every household, regardless of whether they own or rent, live in a house or an apartment.

States are passing laws. Manufacturers are scaling. Installers are building new service models. And millions of households that were locked out of traditional solar are finally getting a real path to lower bills and energy independence.

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Complete guide to plug-in solar technology, comparisons, and real-world use cases.
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Every US state tracked with primary sources, bill numbers, and weekly updates.
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Readiness Checker
Find out if plug-in solar works for your space with our quick assessment quiz.
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Battery Backup Guide
Size your backup battery for energy resilience. Interactive calculator shows how long you'll stay powered.
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Buyer's Guide
Independent, unbiased guidance on choosing the right plug-in solar system for your needs and budget.
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Generate a professional letter to request permission from your landlord or HOA.
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Authoritative guides. Cited sources. No hype.

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New
News6 min read

Breaking: Maine Becomes Second State to Legalize Plug-In Solar

Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1730 on April 6, 2026, making Maine the second US state to explicitly legalize plug-in solar, joining Utah. At 27.9¢/kWh — one of the highest rates in the country — the economics are compelling. Here's what the law does, who it helps, and what it means for the national movement.

Apr 8, 2026Read
New
News7 min read

Four States, One Month: The April 2026 Plug-In Solar Wave

Maine signed (April 6). Virginia signed (April 22). Maryland and Colorado are on governors' desks. April 2026 is the most consequential month in US plug-in solar policy history — here's what it all means.

Apr 15, 2026Read
New
State News9 min read

Virginia HB 395: What the Balcony Solar Bill Means for Renters and Homeowners

Virginia Governor Spanberger signed HB 395 into law on April 22, 2026 (Chapter 1052), making Virginia the third US state to explicitly legalize plug-in solar. Here's exactly what the law does, what it doesn't do, and how much you could save.

Apr 20, 2026Read
New
State News9 min read

New York's SUNNY Act: What the Senate's 62-0 Vote Means for 5 Million Renters

The New York State Senate passed the Solar Up Now NY Act unanimously on April 22, 2026. With electricity rates at 28.4¢/kWh and over 60% of NYC households renting, here's what S.8512B means, what it allows, and what comes next in the Assembly.

Apr 27, 2026Read
Explainer10 min read

The AI Energy Crisis Is Your Electric Bill Problem — And Plug-In Solar Is Part of the Answer

Data centers are consuming electricity at a historic pace, driving up utility bills for every American household. Here's how distributed plug-in solar can help rebalance the equation.

Apr 20, 2026Read
New
News7 min read

Maryland's Utility RELIEF Act: What HB 1532 Means for Renters and Deregulated Customers

Maryland's HB 1532 has passed both chambers and is awaiting Governor Wes Moore's signature. Here's what the Utility RELIEF Act would mean for Maryland's 370,000 deregulated electricity customers — and why the state's unique market structure makes plug-in solar especially powerful here.

Apr 15, 2026Read
New
News7 min read

Colorado Sets the Highest US Plug-In Solar Limit at 1,920W: What HB 26-1007 Means

Colorado's HB 26-1007 has passed both chambers and is awaiting Governor Jared Polis's signature. With a 1,920W limit — the highest of any US plug-in solar law — Colorado's bill would open the door to larger, more powerful systems than any other state. Here's what it does and why it matters.

Apr 15, 2026Read
Guide12 min read

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.

Jan 15, 2026Read
Guide9 min read

Renter Solar Rights: What You Can and Can't Do in All 50 States

A state-by-state guide to your legal rights as a renter who wants to install plug-in solar. What's permitted, what's pending, and how to negotiate with your landlord.

Feb 15, 2026Read
Guide18 min read

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.

Apr 2, 2026Read
Guide8 min read

The Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): Expired December 31, 2025 — What You Need to Know

The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for residential solar expired on December 31, 2025. Here's what that means for plug-in solar buyers in 2026, whether you can still claim it for 2025 purchases, and what state incentives remain.

Apr 1, 2026Read
Guide21 min read

Homeowner's Guide to Plug-In Solar: When It Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)

Plug-in solar is not just for renters. Here is when homeowners should consider plug-in solar instead of — or in addition to — rooftop solar.

Mar 28, 2026Read

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Plug-In Solar for America's Energy Resilience.

Plug-in solar is the foundation of a new energy movement — one where clean power is affordable, resilient, and accessible to every household. PlugInSolarUS is the definitive resource at the center of it all.

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