Solar you can plug into a wall. Legal in 6 states and counting.
The independent guide to plug-in (balcony) solar in America: where it's legal, what it really saves, and which kits are actually certified.
Where it's legal today
All 50 states →Coming in 2027
Bill tracker →Why trust this site
Laws are moving fast and most trackers copy each other. We read the statutes.
Dates, caps and certification rules checked against enrolled bills and codified statutes, with primary sources linked on every state page.
Every kit price shows when we checked it. Electricity rates come from the EIA's latest monthly table.
Some links earn a commission at no cost to you. It never changes which products we list or recommend.
How plug-in solar works
- Panels make DC powerOne to four panels on a balcony rail, patio stand or fence. 400 to 1,200 W total.
- A microinverter turns it into house powerIt syncs to the grid's 60 Hz and shuts off instantly in a blackout (UL 1741). This is the part that must be certified.
- You plug it into an outletYour fridge, router and chargers draw from the panels first. Whatever you don't use flows out to the grid, usually unpaid.
Read the full explainer, including why laws cap kits at 1,200 W →
Kit comparison
Savings calculator
Learn
Frequently asked questions
What is plug-in solar?
A small solar kit (usually one to four panels and a microinverter) that plugs into a standard wall outlet and feeds power into your home circuits, lowering what you draw from the grid. In Europe it is called balcony solar, and millions of units are installed in Germany alone.
Is plug-in solar legal in the United States?
It depends on your state. As of 2026-10-17, 6 states have plug-in solar laws in force and 4 more take effect in 2027. These laws exempt small certified systems (usually up to 1,200 W) from utility interconnection and permit rules. Everywhere else, plugging a grid-tied kit into an outlet falls under your utility's interconnection agreement, which normally requires approval. See the state-by-state map.
How much can a plug-in solar kit save?
A typical 800 W kit produces roughly 900 to 1,400 kWh a year depending on where you live and how it is mounted. At US electricity prices that is usually $120 to $400 a year, which means a payback of three to eight years on a $500 to $1,500 kit. Use the savings calculator for your state.
Do I need an electrician?
In states with a plug-in solar law, certified systems under the wattage cap generally do not require a permit or a licensed installer, though Maine requires an electrician above 420 W and several states exempt only units of 391 to 400 W from wiring-alteration rules. Elsewhere, your utility may require an interconnection application and inspection. A dedicated 20 A circuit for the kit is a sensible safety practice in any state.