Plug-In Solar: What States Need to Know

A report by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), What States Need to Know About Plug-In Solar, discusses various plug-in solar configurations and how they interact with regulatory issues. Plug-in or “balcony” solar refers to small solar power systems that are plugged into a power outlet like an appliance, but instead of drawing power from the outlet, they generate power for use in other parts of the home. Because these small solar systems do not usually require electrical work and are not typically mounted on roofs, they can be purchased and installed by people with little to no technical expertise. This can avoid the need for electricians and permits, reducing installation expenses and other “soft” costs. The report has been updated with new information from UL on pages 10, 11, and 14. 

While individual plug-in systems are small, if deployed in large numbers, they can add up to a substantial effect. Several million plug-in solar systems have been installed in Europe, but they are just now coming to the United States. 

In this CESA webinar for state officials, report author Ben Paulos of CESA will present clear, plain-English information about plug-in solar technology and policy issues for state energy agencies and their legislative counterparts. CESA Project Director Hanna Jones will moderate.