Plug-in solar in the US: which states allow balcony solar

The states that allow it

Plug-in solar, also called balcony solar, is a small solar system that plugs into a regular outlet and feeds the home's circuits directly. For years US utility rules treated any grid-connected generator the same way, requiring an interconnection application, an inspection and often fees, even for a few hundred watts. Starting with Utah in 2025, states have been writing a simpler path into law for small plug-in systems.

New York's SUNNY Act has passed both the Assembly and the Senate and goes to the governor. Bills are moving in further states, so this list will keep growing.

What the laws have in common

• A size limit. Utah, New Jersey and California allow up to 1,200 W. New Jersey also exempts systems of 400 W or less from any wiring or panel changes.
• No interconnection agreement. Within the limit, the household does not need the utility's approval or an interconnection agreement, and Utah's law also rules out utility fees.
• Certified equipment. California requires systems certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognised testing laboratory, and systems that shut off automatically within seconds if the grid goes down, so no power is fed into lines that utility crews may be working on.
• Utility metering. Colorado also requires utilities to accept meter collar adapters, a device that connects solar or storage at the meter instead of at an outlet.
• Sunset clauses. California's interconnection exemption ends on 1 January 2030 unless the legislature extends it.

If your state has no law yet

In other states, connecting a generator to your home's wiring falls under the utility's interconnection rules. Kits that work without feeding the grid are an option everywhere: a portable power station charged by solar panels runs appliances directly from its own outlets, and a balcony battery or portable station can power a fridge or office circuit through an extension lead. See portable power stations for the systems sold in the US.

Choosing a system

1. Check your state's limit and start date before you buy, and choose an inverter whose output stays within it.
2. Look for a certification listing by UL or another nationally recognised laboratory for the inverter and the complete system, including anti-islanding shutdown.
3. Match output to the circuit. 1,200 W on a 120 V circuit is 10 A; plug into an outlet on a circuit that is not already heavily loaded, never through an extension strip.
4. Consider storage. A system that stores midday power for the evening is worth more where you are not paid for exports.
5. Renters should agree mounting with the landlord; most kits mount on a railing or stand without drilling.

Products sold in the US

Plug-in solar kits, microinverters and balcony batteries currently sold in the US brands' stores: