For Existing Solar Installers

Plug-In Solar Expands Your Addressable Market by 44 Million Renters.

Your rooftop solar expertise positions you perfectly to capture the fastest-growing segment of residential solar. Plug-in solar is not a competitor — it is a complementary product line that reaches customers you cannot serve today.

Rooftop Solar vs. Plug-In Solar
Avg. System Cost
$20,000+
$600–$2,500
Installation Time
2–3 days
1–2 hours
Sales Cycle
3–6 months
1–7 days
Permits Required
Yes
No*
Target Customer
Homeowners
Renters + Owners
Market Size (US)
~85M owners
~130M households

*In states with enacted legislation (Utah). Pending in 25+ states.

The Strategic Opportunity

Plug-in solar is not a threat to your rooftop business — it is an expansion of your total addressable market. Here is why leading solar companies are adding plug-in solar to their offerings.

New Customer Segment

44 million US renters cannot install rooftop solar. Plug-in solar lets you serve them. Many will become rooftop customers when they buy homes.

Higher Revenue per Employee-Hour

A 2-hour plug-in installation at $350 generates $175/hour. Compare to a 3-day rooftop install at $5,000 generating $208/hour — similar efficiency, lower risk.

Shorter Sales Cycle

Rooftop solar sales cycles average 3–6 months. Plug-in solar: 1–7 days. Lower price point means faster decisions, less customer hand-holding, and higher close rates.

Complementary Revenue

Plug-in solar fills gaps in your rooftop pipeline. Seasonal slowdowns, permit delays, and supply chain issues don't affect plug-in solar. It smooths your revenue curve.

Integration Models for Solar Companies

How established solar companies are incorporating plug-in solar into their existing operations.

Add-On to Existing Sales

Offer plug-in solar to customers who don't qualify for rooftop (renters, shaded roofs, HOA restrictions). Your sales team already has the leads — plug-in solar converts prospects you currently lose.

  • Convert 10–15% of lost rooftop leads
  • No additional marketing spend required
  • Existing CRM and sales process applies
  • Average conversion: 3–5 days from inquiry

Dedicated Plug-In Division

Create a separate service line with dedicated staff. This model works best for larger companies that want to scale plug-in solar as a distinct business unit with its own P&L.

  • Dedicated installation crews (2–3 installs/day)
  • Separate marketing targeting renters
  • Subscription-based maintenance revenue
  • Potential for 50+ installs/month per crew

Partnership & Referral

Partner with property managers, apartment complexes, and REPs to provide installation services at scale. Volume agreements with multi-family properties can generate consistent, predictable revenue.

  • Bulk installation agreements (10–100+ units)
  • Property manager referral programs
  • REP bundling partnerships
  • Predictable monthly installation volume

Market Context

Why Now?

Utah HB 340 enacted (March 2025)

First US law explicitly legalizing plug-in solar. Created the legal framework other states are following.

25+ state bills active in 2026

Colorado, Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, and others are advancing legislation. The regulatory environment is shifting rapidly.

UL 3700 standard established

The safety standard for plug-in solar is now defined, giving manufacturers and regulators a clear compliance framework.

340% YoY US market growth

Consumer demand is accelerating faster than the supply chain can respond. Early movers capture market share.

Top States for Solar Installers

California32.0¢/kWh
SB 868 pending
Largest renter population in the US
New York24.9¢/kWh
SUNNY Act pending
High rates + dense urban renter market
Colorado14.8¢/kWh
HB 26-1007 advancing
Strong bipartisan support, 1,920W limit
Massachusetts33.0¢/kWh
HD-3892 in committee
Highest mainland rates, strong incentives
Virginia14.4¢/kWh
SB 1092 advancing
First Republican-led state bill
View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from solar installation companies evaluating plug-in solar as a new product line.

Installer Partner Program

Claim Your Territory Before a Competitor Does

We're building a curated map of certified plug-in solar installers, one market at a time. Drop your zip code and we'll tell you if your territory is still open — and send you the installer onboarding kit the moment your state legalizes.

  • First-mover advantage in your zip code
  • Free installer training materials & UL 3700 guide
  • Early access to manufacturer partner pricing

Reserve My Territory

No commitment. We'll email you when your market opens.

Your information is never sold or shared with third parties.