Balcony Solar Has Arrived in the US!

Balcony Solar or Plug-in Solar has been available to many outside the US, things are changing. Today six states have legislation that allows apartment renters to install small-scale solar panels and plug them directly into an AC wall outlet to help lower their utility bill.

Plug-in solar is new enough in the U.S. that the regulatory picture is still taking shape. Several states have passed supportive legislation; many others are moving in that direction. The rules vary — some states require whole-system certification, some require an outdoor GFCI outlet, and local permit requirements differ by municipality.

The non-profit organization Bright Saver maintains a plain-language breakdown of regulatory status and what to expect in your area. If you’re in a state without clear legislation yet, a 180-watt panel is small enough that back-feeding to the grid is minimal — but it’s worth knowing your local rules before you order.

The Balcony Solar movement is exploding. To learn more, I recommend starting with Bright Saver.

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