Title
Plug-in / Balcony Solar Systems: Key Information
Body
This presentation provides an overview of plug-in solar systems, with an overview of technology, safety, regulations, impacts, policy options and resources. Plug-in solar, also called balcony solar, is a term for small-capacity photovoltaic systems that can be installed by plugging directly into a normal electrical receptacle. At a minimum they consist of one to several photovoltaic panels, a micro inverter and a power cord. They can be installed temporarily and relocated as desired. This simplicity of design and installation lowers the installed cost of these systems compared to roof-mounted and grid-tied photovoltaic systems. For over a decade, plug-in solar systems have been sold in Germany and existed in the U.S. through a do-it-yourself approach. Plug-in solar has gained increased public awareness in the U.S. since March 2025, when Utah passed the first legislation to legalize and streamline their use and Bright Saver initiated early pilot installations in the Bay Area. While plug-in solar systems have undeniable cost and portability benefits over conventional solar systems, they do present some issues for both the users and the utility.
Attachment A is this presentation, and attachment B provides a detailed explanation by UL Solutions of the differences between traditional and plug-in solar systems, and some of the most significant electric safety issues that plug-in solar systems can present.
Attachments
A - 2026 Plug-In Solar Presentation
B - Plug-in Solar Safety Whitepaper