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- Connected solar systems are one of the largest, most well-installed rooftop solar systems.
- The US regulatory system for utilities was not designed for plug-and-play solar setups, so it takes time for state regulations to catch up.
- So far, only Utah has legalized plug-in solar in the US, allowing small systems up to 1,200w to plug directly into a traditional outlet.
Plug-in solar has risen in popularity among sustainability fans in recent years, but the practice is still not legal across the United States. If you’ve been thinking about joining the plug-in solar bandwagon, here’s what you need to know.
What is plug-in solar?
Connected solar systems, also known as balcony solar, are simple, plug-and-play solar panels that include an inverter and a small battery. The system plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet and automatically flows electricity from the battery to the closest appliance.
These systems are small and portable, and are not intended to replace grid electricity or depend on utilities. Instead, they make anywhere between 200W and 1,800W, but they are a simple solution to reduce energy costs with an affordable investment.
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Instead of going onto the roof and requiring professional installation, plug-in solar systems can easily fit on a porch, patio, or deck.
“Historically, solar adoption has been tied to homeowners, but that’s not a reflection of the reality of today’s homes,” Solar Energy Specialist from Wolf River Electric, Justin Nielsen, commented on the matter. “More than one-third of Americans rent, and that number is even higher in urban areas where sustainability is most urgent. If we’re serious about transitioning to renewable energy, we need simple solutions that work for everyone, not just those with a roof.”
The solar user pays only for the system, excluding the costs of installation, permits, and inspections.
Where is plug-in solar legal?
A microinverter, like the one shown above, is the brain of a plug-in solar system.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
In the US, grid-connected solar systems are only legal in the state of Utah. The official HB 340 plug-in for solar systems up to 1,200W can be connected directly to a standard outlet. Utah law does not require standard utility connection agreements, allowing users to enjoy a truly plug-and-play system.
Around the world, there are many countries that have not legalized plug-in solar but have expanded it, such as Germany. Balcony solar systems became popular in Germany because the government strongly promoted renewable and clean energy solutions.
Europe has high electricity prices and many apartments and townhouses. Germany’s success inspired Republican Representative Raymond Ward to introduce HB 340. The bill was deliberately small and cost-effective to ensure support. It avoids subsidies and mandates, caps systems at 1,200W, and requires UL-certified equipment and anti-islanding protection.
Despite the small bill, Utah pioneered the legalization of plug-in solar in the US and has encouraged many states to introduce similar bills.
Which states are working to legalize plug-in solar?
After Utah legalized plug-in solar in 2025, about 30 states introduced bills to do the same. Several of these states are close to passing plug-in solar laws, including Virginia, which has already signed it into law, which will take effect on July 1, 2026.
States like Colorado and Maine have passed legislation by 2026, and others, like California, New York, Vermont, Hawaii, and Maryland, have bills in effect right now.
Once plug-in solar becomes legal in California, efforts to advance bills will snowball across the country — and so will the availability of such systems in the US. California has a population of about 39 million, and is already the largest solar market in the country.
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“These units are small and portable so that millions of Californians can use them to save affordable clean energy where rooftop systems are not suitable,” San Francisco Senator Scott Wiener said when the Senate voted to pass the Plug And Play Solar Act SB 868 this week. “Electricity costs have risen to ridiculous levels, and plug-in solar is an easy way for families to cut costs.”
California’s electricity costs for customers are set to increase by nearly 40% between 2022 and 2025, making the state the second highest cost of electricity in the US, behind Hawaii.
Why is plug-in solar illegal in most US states?
There is no national approval process for backyard solar in the US. Plug-in laws are largely handled at the state level by local utilities and public utility commissions, so each state must enact and revise utility laws to legalize plug-in solar.
“Wide adoption requires strong policy support and consumer education,” Nielsen said. “What we need now are revised local regulations, incentive programs that engage employers, and a drive to normalize these programs. That’s how we build a clean, inclusive energy grid.”
U.S. utilities and electric regulators have scaled back widespread approval of backyard solar installations because of concerns about grid instability, back-feeding during transit, overloaded circuits, uncertified inverters, and fire hazards.
Unlike Germany, the US has narrowed its focus on the regulation of permanent solar panel systems, such as rooftop solar arrays and commercial solar installations. Over the years, Germany and other European countries have solved many of the concerns of US regulators by setting up machinery and regulations.
US utilities also have many requirements for any device that can send electricity to the grid, regardless of the amount of energy returned.
Also: How I increased the power of my portable solar panels by up to 30% – 11 expert-approved tips
Most grid-connected solar systems are too small to send electricity back to the grid, as homes consume all of the sun’s energy without leaving overages. However, there may be, so the legislature should regulate them.
A device that can feed electricity back into the grid typically requires multiple permits, interconnection agreements, inspections, and utility approvals, which are all things that a backyard solar setup wants to avoid.
There is also the problem that utility companies are resistant to changes that could lead to consumers not transferring entirely, as that reduces utility revenues. With plug-in solar, utilities face the risk of losing small amounts of electricity sales, visibility, and control.
Does plug-in solar work to save on utility bills?
Millions of backyard solar installations in Germany have proven that the system works. However, grid-connected solar systems help eliminate the constant electricity consumption of your home; those who are strong in all your house.
These systems work best when powering devices that constantly consume electricity, such as refrigerators, Wi-Fi equipment, TVs, smart home devices, and HVAC fans.
A plug-in solar system like the one I have at home with two 410W panels will use between 3 and 5kWh daily, or 90-150kWh monthly. Depending on your electricity rate, this can translate to anywhere between $13 and $35 in monthly savings.
Also: I spent two years exploring wind power at home – that’s why solar is still my favorite source
Instead of running your home on solar and completely replacing the grid, plug-in solar helps reduce the amount of energy your home uses.
Backyard solar also offers cheaper, smarter inverters, easier installation, and fewer safety incidents compared to rooftop solar arrays.
Why is plug-in solar so popular?
Plug-in and backyard solar systems have become increasingly popular mainly because they are a cost-effective alternative to conventional solar panels. The systems are also modular and portable, so consumers choose the size of their setup and can take it with them on the go.
“Community solar systems allow tenants to benefit from solar without physical installation,” Nielsen said. “Balcony systems give people the ability to generate their own electricity, even at very high altitudes. Also, the installation of whole apartments proves to be economically viable for long-term engineers.”
Even a small 600W to 800W system can significantly cut electricity bills, especially for users with time-of-use bills and expensive evening electricity.
