Plug your solar panel
into the wall. Watch
your bill drop.
Plug-in solar panels connect to a standard 120V or 240V outlet. No electrician. No permits. No roof work. Your meter slows down the moment you plug in. Available nationwide — legal in 6 states with more passing laws every month.
Plug-in solar in
four steps.
Plug-in solar — also called balcony solar or micro solar — works differently from rooftop solar. There's no installation, no utility approval, and no electrician required. Here's exactly how it works.
Is plug-in solar legal
in your state?
Plug-in solar legality varies by state. Six states have passed explicit laws protecting renters' rights to install plug-in solar. Three more states await governor signatures. In all other states, plug-in solar may still be possible depending on your lease terms and local regulations.
In these states landlords cannot prohibit compliant plug-in solar installations under state law.
California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington, and 15+ more states have active plug-in solar legislation advancing in 2026.
Check your state →Your savings depend on
your state's rate.
The higher your electricity rate the more plug-in solar saves. High-rate states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California see the fastest paybacks. Sol Country calculates your exact savings using NREL sun data and your actual utility rate.
| State | Rate | 800W Saves |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $0.396 | $171/yr |
| California | $0.287 | $124/yr |
| Connecticut | $0.286 | $124/yr |
| Massachusetts | $0.250 | $108/yr |
| Rhode Island | $0.235 | $102/yr |
| New Hampshire | $0.220 | $95/yr |
| New York | $0.210 | $91/yr |
| VermontLAW ✓ | $0.210 | $91/yr |
| MaineLAW ✓ | $0.200 | $87/yr |
| MarylandLAW ✓ | $0.152 | $66/yr |
| Illinois | $0.140 | $61/yr |
| ColoradoLAW ✓ | $0.133 | $58/yr |
| VirginiaLAW ✓ | $0.130 | $57/yr |
| National avg | $0.182 | $79/yr |
Based on NREL national average sun hours (4.5 peak hrs/day). Actual savings vary by address, shading, and panel orientation. Sol Country uses your specific NREL data for exact estimates.
The best plug-in solar
kits in 2026.
Sol Country only recommends kits that meet or are pursuing UL 3700 certification — the first US safety standard for plug-in solar, launched January 2026. Here are the top options at each size.
Same sun. Very different
experience.
Plug-in solar and rooftop solar both use the sun to reduce your electricity bill. But they work very differently and serve different customers. Here's the honest comparison.
| Feature | Plug-In Solar | Rooftop Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Who can get it | Renters + homeowners | Homeowners only |
| Upfront cost | $199–1,200 | $15,000–25,000+ |
| Installation | Plug into outlet | Licensed electrician required |
| Utility approval | None needed | Required — weeks to months |
| Annual savings | $100–500/yr | $800–2,000+/yr |
| Moves with you | Yes — 10 minutes | No — stays with house |
| Roof condition required | No | Yes — 10+ years remaining |
| Installer bankruptcy risk | None | Real — check warranty |
| Payback period | 4–10 years | 6–12 years |
| 25-year savings | $2,500–12,500 | $20,000–50,000+ |
Plug-in solar is not a replacement for rooftop solar — it's the right product for the 44 million American renters who can't access rooftop solar. For homeowners — both options may make sense.
Plug-in solar FAQ.
Find out if plug-in solar
is right for your address.
Sol Country checks your state's legislation status, your utility rate, your solar potential, and every available incentive — all at once. All 50 states. Free.