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.
9 states have permitted plug-in solar. 10 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.
- Place — Set up solar panels on your balcony, patio, or backyard. No roof mounting needed.
- Plug — Connect the system to a GFCI outlet. The built-in microinverter converts DC to AC.
- 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.
| State | Status | Bill | Avg Rate (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | permitted | HB 340 | 11.6 |
| Colorado | permitted | HB 26-1007 | 14.8 |
| Vermont | permitted | S. 202 | 22.4 |
| Virginia | permitted | HB 395 / SB 250 (Chapter 1052) | 16.4 |
| New Hampshire | permitted | SB 540-FN (Chapter 262) | 28.1 |
| Maine | permitted | LD 1730 | 27.9 |
| Massachusetts | pending | H 4744 / H 5151 / H 5175 | 33 |
| California | pending | SB 868 | 31.4 |
| New York | pending | S 8512C / A 9111C | 22.6 |
| Connecticut | permitted | HB 5340 (Public Act 26-127) | 28.6 |
| New Jersey | permitted | S 2368 / A 4836 | 18.4 |
| Maryland | permitted | HB 1532 (Chapter 353) | 16.8 |
| Pennsylvania | pending | HB 1971 | 16.2 |
| Rhode Island | pending | H 7269 / S 2658 | 29.8 |
| Ohio | pending | HB 755 | 14.6 |
| Michigan | pending | HB 5764 | 17.9 |
| Washington D.C. | pending | B26-0602 | 17.2 |
| Delaware | pending | SB 270 | 14.8 |
| North Carolina | pending | HB 1129 / SB 957 | 13.8 |
Featured Articles
- 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.
- California SB 868 Passes Legislature: What Happens Next for Plug-In Solar — California's official history shows SB 868 passed both chambers and was ordered to engrossing and enrolling on August 26. The measure is not law yet.
- How We Calculate Plug-In Solar Savings: Our Methodology — Most plug-in solar savings calculators are optimistic. Here's exactly how we calculate savings — and why we show more conservative estimates than most brands.
- 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.
- Time-of-Use Electricity Rates Explained: How to Save More with Plug-In Solar — Time-of-Use rates can double your plug-in solar savings. Here's how TOU pricing works, which states have it, and how to optimize your system for maximum savings.
- How to Install Plug-In Solar in an Apartment: A Step-by-Step Guide — A practical guide to installing plug-in solar in an apartment — from choosing the right mounting solution to connecting the system and optimizing your settings.