💰 This month’s best plug-in solar deals — live Amazon prices on the top kits + add-ons. See this month's deals →
Vermont just signed — 7 states now allow plug-in solar

Plug-in solar is finally arriving in the U.S. — watch how simple it is.

A panel, a microinverter, an outlet. We track real 2026 kits and prices, the law in all 50 states, and built a free savings calculator.

Dataset last verified: · all 50 states, primary sources · changelog

Is it legal in my state? → What would I save?

The install · real-time-ish
click ✓ -$150/yr your state’s rules · 2 min Installed. ≈ 1 hour. ✓
Your balcony, as it is today.
01

Law status board

Where U.S. plug-in solar stands right now — we update the tracker the day anything moves.

Status · verified Jul 2, 2026
Signed into law7 states · UT·ME·VA·CO·MD·CT·VT
Passed — awaiting governorNY · NH
Everywhere elseGray area — check your utility
7states have signed plug-in solar laws — see the full 50-state tracker
One email. When it matters.

Get one email when the law changes in your state — plus the best-value kits. No spam.

02

Before / After

The whole idea in one picture: same balcony, one panel added — your home uses the free solar first.

grid only · full tariff
Before100% from the grid
→
solar first · grid tops up
After≈1,000–1,300 kWh/yr → saves $130–$250/yr
What is plug-in (balcony) solar?

A plug-in solar system — also called balcony solar — is one or two panels plus a small grid-tie microinverter that turns their power into household AC and feeds it through a standard wall outlet. Your home uses that free solar power first, lowering what you pull from the grid.

You can buy a complete kit (panels + inverter together) or pair a microinverter with your own panels. Germany already has 975,000+ systems installed — and with the new UL 3700 safety standard plus 2026 state laws, the U.S. is finally opening up.

Renting? It works in apartments too — no roof and no electrician needed. See our plug-in solar for renters guide.

03

What would your balcony make?

Rough number in five seconds. The full calculator uses your state’s actual rate and payback.

Two sliders. That’s it.

Model: U.S. yield ≈1.3 kWh/W/yr × exposure, valued at ~16¢/kWh national average — your state’s rate may be far higher (CT ~29¢, CA ~31¢).

Estimated saving $— per year, at the U.S. average rate ≈ $— over 10 years panels last 20+ years · typical payback 3–5 yrs
🌍 — kg CO₂/yr avoided (≈— trees) 🚗 — miles of driving offset 🔋 — phone charges
every kWh you make is a kWh you don’t buy — whatever rates do next Full calculator (per-state) →
04

Top plug-in solar gear right now

Real, in-stock picks — see the full 2026 comparison.

TOP PICK

AUECOOR 600W Complete Grid-Tie Kit

$$$

600W · 6×100W panels + 1000W grid-tie inverter

  • Panels + inverter in one box
  • True plug-in starter kit
  • Best value complete setup
Check price on Amazon

SMI800W 800W WiFi Grid-Tie Microinverter

$$

800W · WiFi app monitoring · 96% efficiency

  • WiFi app real-time data
  • Pure sine, 96% efficient
  • Pairs with your own panels
Check price on Amazon
IP65

Y&H 600W Grid-Tie Microinverter

$

600W · IP65 · LCD data display

  • Lowest-cost entry
  • Built-in LCD readout
  • Proven, simple setup
Check price on Amazon
05

Everything, in its place

The whole site, filed under five drawers. No hunting.

§1

Law & rules

§2

Kits & reviews

§3

Deals & money

§4

Beyond the balcony

§5

Guides & help

First in the niche

Our interactive calculator and 50-state tracker are the most complete rundown anywhere — free, with an open dataset (CC BY 4.0).