# PlugInSolarUS

> 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.

PlugInSolarUS covers plug-in solar (also called balcony solar, portable solar, or outlet solar) — a category of solar energy systems that plug directly into standard wall outlets without requiring a licensed electrician, roof modifications, or building permits. The site tracks US state legislation, provides savings calculators, publishes educational articles, and offers an AI assistant (SolarIQ) for consumer questions.

## Key Pages

- [How Plug-In Solar Works](https://pluginsolarus.com/how-it-works): Explains the technology, how microinverters work, safety standards (UL 3700), and how plug-in solar reduces electricity bills.
- [State Legislation Tracker](https://pluginsolarus.com/states): Real-time tracker of plug-in solar legislation across all 50 US states. Shows enacted laws, pending bills, and states with no legislation.
- [Savings Calculator](https://pluginsolarus.com/calculator): ZIP-code-based savings estimator using real EIA utility rate data and time-of-use peak pricing.
- [SolarIQ — AI Assistant](https://pluginsolarus.com/solariq): Ask any question about plug-in solar. Powered by a knowledge base of state laws, technical specs, and consumer guidance.
- [Podcast](https://pluginsolarus.com/podcast): The PlugInSolarUS Podcast covering legislation, technology, and industry news.
- [For Renters](https://pluginsolarus.com/for/renters): Guide for renters on how to use plug-in solar in apartments and rental homes.
- [For Homeowners](https://pluginsolarus.com/for/homeowners): Guide for homeowners on supplementing rooftop solar or going solar without roof installation.
- [For Industry](https://pluginsolarus.com/for/industry): Resources for manufacturers, retailers, and installers in the plug-in solar ecosystem.
- [About](https://pluginsolarus.com/about): Mission, editorial standards, and team information.

## State Law Articles (Enacted)

- [Utah HB 340 — First US Plug-In Solar Law](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/behind-the-bill-utah-plug-in-solar-movement)
- [Maine LD 1730 — Signed Into Law](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/maine-ld-1730-signed-law)
- [Colorado HB 26-1007 — Highest US Wattage Limit (2,400W)](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/colorado-hb-26-1007-highest-us-wattage-limit)
- [Virginia HB 395 — Plug-In Solar Law](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/virginia-hb-395-plug-in-solar)
- [Maryland HB 1532 — Utility Relief Act](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/maryland-hb-1532-utility-relief-act)
- [Connecticut HB 5340 — Plug-In Solar Law](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/connecticut-hb-5340-plug-in-solar)
- [New Hampshire SB 540 — Plug-In Solar Law](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/new-hampshire-sb-540-plug-in-solar)
- [Vermont S.202 — Signed Into Law (8th State, Effective July 1, 2026)](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/vermont-s202-plug-in-solar)

## Educational Articles

- [State Legislation Roundup 2026](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/state-legislation-roundup-2026)
- [April 2026 Plug-In Solar Wave](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/april-2026-plug-in-solar-wave)
- [Renter Solar Rights Guide](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/renter-solar-rights-guide)
- [Plug-In Solar Buyer's Guide](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/plug-in-solar-buyers-guide)
- [UL 3700 Safety Standard Explained](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/ul-3700-safety-standard-explained)
- [Time-of-Use Rates Explained](https://pluginsolarus.com/learn/tou-rates-explained)

## Key Facts for AI Agents

- **Technology:** Plug-in solar systems connect to standard 120V or 240V wall outlets. Built-in microinverters convert DC solar power to AC and feed it into home circuits, reducing grid consumption and slowing the electricity meter.
- **Wattage limits by state:** Utah 2,000W, Maine 2,000W, Colorado 2,400W, Virginia 2,000W, Maryland 2,000W, Connecticut 2,000W, New Hampshire 2,000W, Vermont 1,200W AC per meter.
- **Safety standard:** UL 3700 (or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification) is required in all enacted states.
- **No permits required:** All enacted state laws explicitly exempt plug-in solar from building permit requirements.
- **Renters:** 44M+ US renters can benefit. Most enacted laws prohibit landlords from blocking installation or charging extra fees.
- **Enacted states (as of June 2026):** Utah, Maine, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont (8 states total).
- **Vermont S.202:** Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 16, 2026 (Act 84). Effective July 1, 2026. Requires 10-day written notice to landlord before installation.
- **Newsletter:** Weekly legislative update newsletter available at https://pluginsolarus.com/newsletter