Plug-In Solar Is Coming to America
The definitive US resource for plug-in solar energy. Understand the technology, track state legislation, and calculate your real savings — whether you rent or own.
5 states have permitted plug-in solar. 14 states have bills pending.
How Plug-In Solar Works
A new category of solar energy that plugs into standard wall outlets. No electrician, no permits, no roof modifications.
- Place — Set up solar panels on your balcony, patio, or backyard. No roof mounting needed.
- Plug — Connect to any standard GFCI-protected wall outlet. The built-in microinverter converts DC to AC.
- Save — Your meter slows down as solar offsets consumption. Battery storage shifts energy to peak hours.
Who Is Plug-In Solar For?
- Renters — Lower bills and backup power without permanent modifications or landlord hassles.
- Homeowners — Start saving immediately with a system you can expand or take with you.
- Property Managers — Attract tenants, reduce common-area costs, and future-proof buildings.
- Retail Energy Providers — Bundle solar + storage to differentiate in deregulated markets.
State Legislation Tracker
Track plug-in solar legislation across all 50 US states. See which states have passed laws, which have bills pending, and what the requirements are.
| State | Status | Bill | Avg Rate (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | permitted | HB 340 | 11.6 |
| Colorado | permitted | HB 26-1007 | 14.8 |
| Vermont | pending | S. 202 / H. 598 | 22.4 |
| Virginia | permitted | HB 395 / SB 250 (Chapter 1052) | 16.4 |
| New Hampshire | pending | SB 540-FN | 28.1 |
| Maine | permitted | LD 1730 | 27.9 |
| Massachusetts | pending | H 4744 / H 5151 / H 5175 | 33 |
| California | pending | SB 868 | 31.4 |
| New York | pending | S 8512 / A 9111 | 22.6 |
| Connecticut | pending | HB 5340 | 28.6 |
| New Jersey | pending | S 2368 / S 688 | 18.4 |
| Maryland | permitted | HB 1532 (Chapter 353) | 16.8 |
| Pennsylvania | pending | HB 1971 | 16.2 |
| Rhode Island | pending | H 7269 / S 2658 | 29.8 |
| Ohio | pending | HB 755 | 14.6 |
| Michigan | pending | HB 5764 | 17.9 |
| Washington D.C. | pending | B26-0602 | 17.2 |
| Delaware | pending | SB 270 | 14.8 |
| North Carolina | pending | HB 1129 | 13.8 |
Featured Articles
- Plug-In Solar 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Whether It's Right for You — Everything you need to know about plug-in solar — from how the technology works to realistic savings estimates and who it makes sense for.
- California SB 868 Passes Senate 35-1: What the Plug and Play Solar Act Means for Renters — California's SB 868 passed the full Senate 35-1 on May 20, 2026. The Plug and Play Solar Act now moves to the Assembly, which has until August 31 to pass it.
- How We Calculate Plug-In Solar Savings: Our Methodology — Most plug-in solar savings calculators are optimistic. Here's exactly how we calculate savings — and why we show more conservative estimates than most brands.
- Renter Solar Rights: What You Can and Can't Do in All 50 States — A state-by-state guide to your legal rights as a renter who wants to install plug-in solar. What's permitted, what's pending, and how to negotiate with your landlord.
- Time-of-Use Electricity Rates Explained: How to Save More with Plug-In Solar — Time-of-Use rates can double your plug-in solar savings. Here's how TOU pricing works, which states have it, and how to optimize your system for maximum savings.
- How to Install Plug-In Solar in an Apartment: A Step-by-Step Guide — A practical guide to installing plug-in solar in an apartment — from choosing the right mounting solution to connecting the system and optimizing your settings.