Plug-In Solar Panels Are Starting to Sprout in U.S. Backyards
Plug-In Solar Panels Starting to Sprout in U.S. Backyards
Ten U.S. states have legalized plug-in solar systems that can be connected to standard wall outlets, requiring no permits or electricians. These compact panels, which cost a few hundred dollars each, are gaining popularity as a way to cut energy bills. Utah was the first to legalize them, and others like New Jersey, Virginia, and Colorado have followed. Lawmakers in several more states are considering similar measures, inspired by Germany's pioneering use.
“I just really appreciated the idea of being able to do something to cut even just a few dollars off my energy bill plus just become a little bit more environmentally friendly,” Ms. Jackson, 35, said.
- fooblaster
The thing we should be incentivizing people to use here are batteries, in the exact same configuration. We do not in many places, need more solar power generation, but we need devices that slurp down power at 2pm and dump it out in the three hours after sundown. Utilities should be paying anyone who dumps power to the grid at peak post-sundown demand hours, so that it is a no-brainer to install such a thing.
- bookofjoe
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/business/energy-environme...
- domh
This is going to be made legal in the UK on the 27th August. Max 800w inspired by Germany. I'll definitely get some panels and see how they go.
- mannyv
I have a two panel system, and the panels are about 430 watts each. Given the current ToD rates for electric, it will take years to pay back.
Microinverter: 400
Panels (used): 250 for both
Cables: 50
I also picked up two LiFePo4 batteries and two Kasa smart plugs and time shifted my computing infrastructure's electricity usage. That made much more of a difference in my bill, since a few hundred watts moved to .09/kwh. If the bms was smarter i could charge the batteries with solar, but alas i can't cap the recharge current.
- neves
Which are the high quality chinese brands of plug-in panels?