Plug-in Solar Gains U.S. Traction as Homeowners Seek Affordable, Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Terrence Dwyer, a homeowner in Oakland, California, was quick to act after receiving a flyer about a small solar panel system designed to fit on a deck. The $2,000 plug-in system, which includes two 400-watt panels, an inverter, a smart meter, and a circuit breaker, offers Dwyer a monthly utility bill savings of around $35 [1]. He emphasized that his primary motivation was reducing his carbon footprint, not just the financial benefit [1].

Unlike traditional rooftop solar systems that can cost up to $50,000 after roof upgrades, these plug-in or balcony solar systems offer a more accessible and affordable option. They are gaining traction in the U.S. as interest shifts away from larger rooftop systems, especially following the Trump administration’s proposal to phase out residential solar tax credits. This change has pushed homeowners to explore cheaper, simpler alternatives [1].

Plug-in solar systems, which resemble the size of a standard door, have been used in Europe for years but remain less common in the U.S. due to limited awareness, inconsistent utility regulations, and lack of availability. Dwyer installed his system from Bright Saver, a California-based nonprofit that advocates for plug-in solar. The company recently sold out of its $399 compact model in just six days, signaling strong demand [1].

The adoption of plug-in solar in the U.S. has faced regulatory hurdles. Some utilities require the same interconnection applications as rooftop systems, though experts like Steven Hegedus, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Delaware, question the necessity of such requirements for plug-in systems, which are designed to prevent excess energy from flowing back to the grid [1].

Efforts to remove these barriers have begun in some states. Utah recently passed a law exempting small plug-in systems from interconnection agreements and setting safety standards, becoming the first state to support plug-in solar through legislation. State Rep. Raymond Ward, the bill’s sponsor, said the move empowers consumers by allowing them to manage their energy use more effectively [1].

However, cost remains a key factor. Severin Borenstein, a professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, noted that the $2,000 price tag in the U.S. translates to a cost of about $0.20 per kilowatt-hour over 25 years—only making sense in areas with high utility costs. By contrast, similar systems in Europe often cost around $600, equating to about $0.05 or $0.06 per kilowatt-hour [1].

Despite the cost concerns, many customers are motivated by environmental benefits. Craig Keenan, a Baltimore resident, installed a plug-in system on his balcony and expects to recoup the cost in about 10 years through energy savings. He emphasized the ease of installation, which he completed in under 15 minutes without technical expertise [1].

Plug-in solar is not only drawing individual consumers but also attracting companies like Craftstrom, based in Texas, which has sold about 2,000 systems in the U.S. since 2021. The company has experienced rising demand and anticipates further growth as federal incentives for rooftop systems decline [1].

China-based EcoFlow also plans to introduce plug-in solar systems in Utah and expand to other states if supportive legislation follows. Ryan Oliver, a spokesperson for the company, noted that the technology is ahead of regulation but expects it to become more mainstream as awareness grows [1].

Experts like Robert Cudd, a research analyst at UCLA, acknowledge that some utility resistance is expected as customers reduce their energy consumption. “Utilities really prefer everyone being a predictable and generous consumer of the electricity they sell,” he said [1].

Bright Saver is now lobbying for similar laws in other states, with support from climate experts like Alexis Abramson, dean of Columbia University’s Climate School, who called for broader adoption of plug-in solar across the U.S. [1].

Source: [1] [title:Instead of a $50,000 solar panel on your roof, how about a $2,000 one small enough to fit on your deck? ‘We thought absolutely, let’s do this right away’](https://fortune.com/2025/08/15/solar-panel-small-enough-to-fit-deck-yard-cheap/)