Balcony Solar: US Uptick

  • maskobus
  • Aug 18, 2025

Plug-and-Play Solar: A Greener, Cheaper Alternative Gains Momentum

For homeowners keen to embrace renewable energy without the hefty price tag and complex installations of traditional rooftop solar panels, a simpler solution is emerging: plug-in solar systems. These compact, affordable units are designed to connect directly to standard wall outlets, offering a user-friendly entry point into the world of solar power.

Terrence Dwyer, a resident of Oakland, California, experienced the appeal of plug-in solar firsthand. After receiving a leaflet advertising a deck-sized solar panel system, he was immediately convinced. “We thought absolutely, let’s do this right away,” he explained, drawn to the simplicity and affordability of the system.

A Shift in the Solar Landscape?

The rising popularity of these small-scale solar systems is particularly significant as potential changes in governmental policies, such as the possible removal of tax credits for residential rooftop solar, could make these cheaper alternatives even more attractive. Even prior to any legislative changes, manufacturers of plug-in, or balcony, solar systems have witnessed a surge in demand. Furthermore, certain legislative developments, such as a new law in Utah that streamlines the regulations for homeowners wishing to purchase and install these systems, are further encouraging their adoption. Despite their growing appeal, these door-sized systems haven’t yet achieved the widespread popularity they enjoy in Europe, due to factors such as limited awareness, inconsistent utility regulations, and restricted availability.

The Benefits and the Bottom Line

Dwyer’s plug-in solar system, installed on his deck in March, consists of two 400-watt panels, an inverter, a smart meter, and a circuit breaker. While it saves him approximately £28 per month on his electricity bill by reducing his reliance on the grid, his primary motivation was environmental. “We like the environmental benefits of solar and wanted to engage with solar in some fashion,” Dwyer stated. A rooftop solar system, in contrast, would have cost him around £16,000, plus an additional £24,000 to reinforce his roof to support the panels.

Installing a plug-in solar system requires some research. Electricity companies have varying policies regarding customer-owned energy-generating equipment, so it’s essential to check with your local utility provider first. Depending on the local council, building permits may also be required. While some systems are designed for self-installation, others may necessitate the expertise of a qualified electrician, particularly when wiring meters into a home’s circuit breaker.

Removing Barriers to Adoption

Bright Saver, a California-based non-profit organisation that advocates for plug-in solar, is actively working to remove these hurdles. In addition to the type of system purchased by Dwyer, the company also offers a smaller, more affordable model that recently sold out in just six days. “The interest and demand have been overwhelming,” said Cora Stryker, a founder of Bright Saver. “It is clear that we are hitting a nerve – many people have wanted solar for a long time but have not had an option that is feasible and affordable for them until now.”

Kevin Chou, another founder of Bright Saver, believes that the wider adoption of these systems in the United States has been hampered by inconsistent utility policies and a lack of clear state and local regulations.

Utility Perspectives and Regulations

Some utilities require plug-in solar systems to undergo the same interconnection application process as rooftop panels that feed electricity back into the grid. However, according to Steven Hegedus, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Delaware, this requirement seems unnecessary, as plug-in solar systems are designed to prevent energy from flowing back to the grid, unlike traditional rooftop systems. Nevertheless, customers are advised to adhere to their utility’s policies.

Robert Cudd, a research analyst at the California Center for Sustainable Communities at the University of California, Los Angeles, anticipates some initial resistance from utilities as plug-in solar adoption increases, as it reduces the amount of energy customers purchase from them. “Utilities really prefer everyone being a predictable and generous consumer of the electricity they sell,” Cudd explained.

Utah Leads the Way

This year, Utah took a proactive step by enacting a law that supports plug-in solar by exempting certain small-scale systems from interconnection agreements and establishing safety requirements, such as certification by a nationally recognised testing organisation. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Utah appears to be the only state to have passed legislation specifically supporting plug-in solar.

Republican state representative Raymond Ward, who sponsored the legislation, believes that these smaller systems empower people to better control their energy sources and costs. “Europe has these things. You can go buy them and they work and people want them. There is no reason why we shouldn’t have them here in the United States,” Ward stated. Bright Saver is currently lobbying other states to adopt similar legislation.

Alexis Abramson, dean of the University of Columbia Climate School, also praised Utah’s initiative. “We actually need more localities, more states putting in allowances for this type of equipment,” she said.

Availability and Savings Potential

While plug-in solar offers numerous benefits, some questions remain regarding potential cost savings. Severin Borenstein, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, suggests that the cost of some portable solar systems in the United States may make it difficult for customers to recoup their investment over the system’s lifespan. He estimates that a £1,600 system in the U.S. equates to paying approximately £0.16 per kilowatt-hour over 25 years, which only results in savings for those with high electricity costs. In contrast, systems sold in Europe, typically costing around £480, are equivalent to paying approximately £0.04 or £0.05 per kilowatt-hour over 25 years.

Craig Keenan, a resident of Baltimore, installed one of the smaller Bright Saver models on his balcony in July, driven by both financial and environmental considerations. “I’m interested in renewable energy because the amount of carbon emissions that we produce as a species is very, very unsustainable for our world,” he explained. He anticipates saving approximately £32 per year on his electricity bills, meaning it will take about 10 years to recoup the cost of the kit.

Keenan, a mechanical engineer, completed the installation in just 10 to 15 minutes. “I think anyone can install this,” he said. “It’s not complicated. It doesn’t require a technical degree.”

Expanding Market and Future Prospects

Other companies, such as Texas-based Craftstrom, are also selling plug-in solar kits. Craftstrom has sold approximately 2,000 systems in the U.S. since 2021, primarily in California, Texas, and Florida. Their basic kits include a solar panel, an inverter, and a smart meter.

Kenneth Hutchings, Craftstrom’s chief revenue officer, reported that their U.S. sales increased this year, even before potential tax changes. He anticipates further growth in demand for plug-in solar as federal rooftop solar credits expire. The company advises customers to notify their electricity company before installation but has “never had any pushback from any utility,” according to Michael Scherer, one of Craftstrom’s founders.

EcoFlow, a China-based company, plans to begin selling plug-in solar systems in Utah and expand to other states as supportive legislation is enacted. “This is an example of where technology is sort of ahead of the regulators,” said Ryan Oliver, a company spokesperson, adding: “As this rolls out to more of a nationwide product, we expect it will become more mainstream as people understand it better.”

In conclusion, plug-in solar systems offer a promising pathway to accessible and affordable renewable energy, with the potential to transform the way homeowners engage with solar power. As awareness grows, regulations adapt, and technology advances, these systems are poised to play an increasingly significant role in the transition to a cleaner energy future.

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