For RentersApartments · Condos · Townhomes

Plug-in Solar for
Renters

Lower Bills and Backup Power — Even If You Rent.

44 million US renters can now cut their electricity bills and build energy resilience through plug-in solar. Here's everything you need to know — from your legal rights to talking to your landlord.

Check My Readiness How It Works
44M+
US renters — the market rooftop solar can't reach
5 laws
Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado & Maryland enacted — 3 more awaiting signature
25+
States with active plug-in solar bills
~1 hr
Typical self-install time for a plug-in solar kit

Your Path to Plug-In Solar

Six steps from "curious" to "installed." Most renters complete this in 2–4 weeks.

01

Check Your State

Find out what's legal where you live. Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and Maryland have enacted plug-in solar laws. CT, NH, and VT are on governors' desks. 20+ more states have active bills.

State Tracker
02

Assess Your Space

Does your balcony or patio get enough sun? Is your outlet GFCI-protected? Our readiness checker walks you through it in under 3 minutes.

Readiness Checker
03

Estimate Your Savings

Get a location-specific savings estimate based on real utility rate data for your area. See how quickly your system could pay for itself.

Savings Calculator
04

Size Your Battery

Determine how much battery storage you need for backup power. Match capacity to your essential devices — fridge, phone, lights, and more.

Battery Sizing Guide
05

Talk to Your Landlord

We provide a customizable letter template that explains the technology, addresses safety concerns, and references applicable laws.

Get Letter Template
06

Choose & Install

Find the right system for your space and budget. Our buyer's guide compares top plug-in solar kits. Most systems install in about an hour.

Buyer's Guide

States Where Renters Have Legal Protections

In these states, your landlord cannot legally prohibit you from installing a plug-in solar system.

Utah

Permitted

HB 340 — Plug-In Solar Device Amendments

~$175/yr est. savings

Colorado

Permitted

HB 26-1007 — Improve Customer Use of Distributed Energy Resources

~$202/yr est. savings

Virginia

Permitted

HB 395 / SB 250 (Chapter 1052) — Plug-In Solar Devices — Consumer Protection Act

~$180/yr est. savings

Maine

Permitted

LD 1730 — An Act to Make Small Plug-in Solar Generation Devices Accessible for All Maine Residents to Address the Energy Affordability Crisis

~$300/yr est. savings

Maryland

Permitted

HB 1532 (Chapter 353) — Utility RELIEF Act (includes Plug-In Solar provisions)

~$183/yr est. savings
View all 50 states

Renter FAQ

Ready to Ask Your Landlord?

Our customizable letter template addresses the most common landlord concerns — liability, aesthetics, reversibility, and safety certification. It takes 2 minutes to personalize and is designed to give your request the best possible chance of a yes.

Generate My Letter Check My Readiness
Addresses liability concerns
Explains that UL 3700-certified systems meet US safety standards
References applicable state law
Auto-fills your state's specific legislation if protections exist
Covers reversibility
Clarifies that no permanent modifications are required

Important: Always check your specific lease agreement

Even in states where plug-in solar is legally permitted, your specific lease may have provisions that affect installation. Review your lease carefully and consult a tenant rights attorney if you're unsure. This information is educational, not legal advice.

Ready to Find Out If Plug-In Solar Is Right for You?

Check your readiness in under 3 minutes, then see exactly how much you could save — personalized to your state and electricity rate.

Check My Readiness Calculate My Savings