Resources > What to know about plug-in solar

What to know about plug-in solar

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  1. What is plug-in solar
  2. Plug-in solar benefits
  3. A history of plug-in solar
What is plug-in solar

What is plug-in solar (also called balcony solar)?

Plug-in solar panels provide a simple, reliable way to save money by generating your own electricity. Plug-in panels connect to a standard power outlet. This lets you go solar without a complicated installation. Small scale plug-in systems can be placed on a balcony, in a front or backyard, or on a roof deck. 

Plug-in systems are an easy and affordable way to get started going solar. They range in output size from 200–1,600 watts. This is enough electricity to power a small air conditioner. By comparison, a typical home rooftop installation will be between 3,000–9,000 watts. Systems cost between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. Installation can typically be done without a contractor.

Plug-in solar is not yet widely available across the U.S. this is because most states have unnecessary and expensive interconnection rules. Utah was the first state to pass a law to cut this red tape and make it easy for consumers to use plug-in systems. If you want plug-in solar where you live, let your elected officials know.

Plug-in solar benefits

Plug-in solar benefits

Helps more people go solar

Plug-in solar is easy to set up and portable. It doesn’t require rooftop installation. It can be placed on any accessible flat surface, like yards and balconies. This means people with roofs that are not good for solar or people who rent can easily go solar with a plug-in system.

Lowers energy bills

A typical plug-in system can cut your electricity bills by several hundred dollars per year. The average payback time for a system purchased today is about five years. The cost for plug-in solar is forecast to drop from nearly $3/watt today to just under 60¢/watt by the end of 2027.

Plug-in solar can save consumers $250–400 annually in the U.S.
A map showing state-by-state savings from plug in solar, based on a 1,200 W system.
A history of plug-in solar

A history of plug-in solar

Plug-in solar panels are widely used across the world to provide reliable electricity. The largest market is Germany, where about 1-in-10 households use plug-in solar. Its growth started after 2019 when the German parliament streamlined utility connection rules to allow people to use plug-in solar without needing approval from their utility.

Tell your lawmakers to enable plug-in solar.

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Plug-in solar resources

Click below to learn more about plug-in solar

Plug-in solar white paper

This report from Bright Saver shows how with the right policies in place, plug in solar could provide power to more than 20 million homes in the next decade.
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Video: Bringing the Sun Home

Utah solar supporters discuss the recent passage of legislation enabling plug-in solar in the state.
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Model plug-in solar legislation

Most states need to update their rules for connecting solar in order to make plug-in solar widespread. This draft text is an example of legislation that states could pass.
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Header photo credit: Bright Source

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