When Terrence Dwyer received a knock on his door accompanied by a flyer for a solar panel system small enough to fit on his deck, he was immediately intrigued. These innovative solar systems, which can plug into regular wall outlets, have been popular in Europe for years and are now gaining traction in the United States due to their affordability and straightforward installation process. “We thought absolutely, let’s do this right away,” said Dwyer, who resides in Oakland, California.
With the recent sweeping budget-and-policy package introduced by President Donald Trump, which aims to eliminate residential rooftop solar tax credits, many homeowners are shifting their focus to cheaper alternatives like plug-in solar systems. Even before the GOP bill passed, manufacturers of these smaller systems, often referred to as balcony solar, were experiencing a surge in demand. A recent law in Utah has further streamlined regulations, making it easier for homeowners to purchase and install these energy solutions.
The compact plug-in solar systems, roughly the size of a door, have not yet achieved widespread adoption in the U.S. compared to their European counterparts, primarily due to a lack of awareness, inconsistent utility regulations, and limited availability. For instance, Dwyer’s $2,000 plug-in solar system, installed on his backyard deck in March, comes equipped with two 400-watt panels, an inverter, a smart meter, and a circuit breaker. This system has saved him approximately $35 per month on his electricity bill, but Dwyer’s main motivation for purchasing it was to reduce his carbon footprint. “We like the environmental benefits of solar and wanted to engage with solar in some fashion,” he stated.
Opting for a plug-in solar system necessitates some research. The policies governing what power companies permit regarding energy-generating equipment can vary significantly. Therefore, prospective buyers are encouraged to check with their utility providers first. Depending on the municipality, building permits may be required, and while some systems can be self-installed, others might necessitate the involvement of a licensed electrician. For instance, certain kits include meters that must be integrated into a home’s circuit breaker system.
Dwyer purchased his system from Bright Saver, a nonprofit organization in California that champions plug-in solar technology. In addition to the model Dwyer selected, Bright Saver also offers a smaller version priced at $399, which recently sold out in just six days. “The interest and demand have been overwhelming,” remarked Cora Stryker, a co-founder of Bright Saver. “It is clear that we are hitting a nerve — many Americans 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 co-founder, noted that the slow adoption of these systems in the U.S. has been exacerbated by utility policies that create uncertainty regarding their legality and a lack of clear state and local guidelines. Some utilities maintain that plug-in solar systems require the same interconnection applications as traditional rooftop panels that send electricity back to the grid. However, Steven Hegedus, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Delaware, questions the necessity of an interconnection agreement for plug-in solar systems, which are designed to prevent energy from flowing back to the grid.
In a progressive move, Utah has enacted a law that supports plug-in solar by exempting certain small-scale systems from interconnection agreements and establishing safety standards, such as certification by recognized testing organizations like Underwriters Laboratories. This legislation appears to be the first of its kind in the nation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Republican state Rep. Raymond Ward, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that these smaller systems empower individuals to better manage their energy sources and expenses. “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 said.
Bright Saver is actively lobbying for similar legislative measures in other states, and Alexis Abramson, dean of the University of Columbia Climate School, praised Utah’s initiative. “We actually need more localities and states to implement allowances for this type of equipment,” she stated.
Questions regarding the financial benefits of plug-in solar systems persist. Severin Borenstein, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, points out that the cost of some portable solar systems in the U.S. may not yield significant savings over time. He estimates that a $2,000 system could work out to about $0.20 per kilowatt-hour over a 25-year period, which would only be cost-effective for those facing high utility rates. In contrast, systems sold in Europe, often priced around $600, equate to about $0.05 to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour over the same duration.
Craig Keenan, a resident of Baltimore, shared that his decision to install one of the smaller Bright Saver models on his balcony in July was driven not solely by potential savings but also by a commitment to renewable energy. “The amount of carbon emissions that we produce as a species is very, very unsustainable for our world,” he expressed. He anticipates saving about $40 annually on his utility bills, meaning it would take roughly 10 years to recoup the cost of his kit. Keenan, a mechanical engineer, reported that installation took only 10 to 15 minutes. “I think anyone can install this,” he remarked. “It’s not complicated. It doesn’t require a technical degree.”
Other companies, such as Texas-based Craftstrom, have entered the market for plug-in solar kits. Since 2021, Craftstrom has sold approximately 2,000 systems in the U.S., primarily in California, Texas, and Florida. Their basic kits include a solar panel suitable for various outdoor spaces, along with the necessary equipment to manage and regulate energy flow, such as an inverter and smart meter. Kenneth Hutchings, Craftstrom’s chief revenue officer, noted that their U.S. sales have increased this year, even prior to the GOP tax bill’s passage, and he anticipates further demand growth as federal rooftop solar credits expire.
Craftstrom advises customers to inform their power companies before installation, although they have not encountered significant resistance from utilities. Additionally, China-based EcoFlow plans to introduce plug-in solar systems in Utah and expand to other states contingent on supportive legislation. Ryan Oliver, a spokesperson for EcoFlow, emphasized, “This is an example of where technology is sort of ahead of the regulators,” adding that as more people become aware of these systems, they are likely to become more mainstream.
Overall, the emerging trend of plug-in solar systems represents a promising shift in how homeowners can harness renewable energy, offering a practical solution for those seeking to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
