Guides
Read them in order if you are new to plug-in solar, or jump to the question you have.
What is plug-in solar? How balcony solar kits work in the US
A plug-in solar kit is one to four panels and a microinverter that plug into a regular 120 V outlet. Here is how they work, what they can power, and where they are legal.
Read the guide Guide 2Is plug-in solar safe? The real risks and how kits handle them
The three real hazards of balcony solar are a live plug, an overloaded circuit and power during an outage. How certified kits handle each, and what to check.
Read the guide Guide 3UL 3700 explained: the certification for plug-in solar kits
UL 3700 is the first US test program for plug-in solar. What it covers, which states require it, which products have it, and how it differs from UL 1741.
Read the guide Guide 4Balcony solar for renters and HOAs: what each state allows
Some plug-in solar laws protect tenants and condo owners, others leave leases and HOA rules untouched. A state-by-state breakdown and a template for asking your landlord.
Read the guide Guide 5Is plug-in solar worth it? Payback by state for a balcony kit
An 800 W balcony kit pays back in about 3 to 7 years in states with plug-in laws, if it faces south and you use most of its output. The math, state by state.
Read the guide Guide 6Balcony solar orientation, tilt and shade: how much each costs you
Hanging panels flat on a railing costs about a third of their output; east or west costs more. Modeled numbers for every tilt and facing, and fixes.
Read the guide Guide 7How to choose a plug-in solar kit: size, certification, mounting
Pick the size from your always-on load, the certification from your state law, and the mount from your railing. A checklist for buying a balcony solar kit in the US.
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