Residents of the United States are beginning to use a new method of residential solar energy generation: compact devices that can be plugged into standard outlets and installed in areas such as balconies and yards. This technology has already received authorization in ten states and has the potential to reduce costs for consumers.
This expansion is happening against a backdrop of rising electricity rates in the country and growing interest from families looking for more affordable options compared to traditional rooftop solar systems. Unlike conventional arrangements, plug-in models have a simplified installation and can cost a few hundred dollars.
However, regulation is still under development. Although some states have approved commercialization, no system of this type had safety certification in the United States until then, which creates uncertainty about its large-scale adoption.
The solar panels that connect directly to outlets have attracted the attention of American consumers by offering an entry point into the renewable energy market. Utah was the first state to approve this modality, followed by nine others, including New Jersey, Virginia, and Colorado.
This movement has also reached the legislatures of states such as California, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, where similar proposals are under review. In Colorado, one of the most comprehensive initiatives on the subject was approved after state representative Lesley Smith learned about the technology during a visit to Germany, a country that already used this type of system.
The equipment differs from traditional solar panels mainly in size, price, and installation method. While conventional residential projects can reach values of up to US$ 36,000 and require months to obtain licenses, plug-in models are smaller, cheaper, and, in permitted locations, do not require prior authorization or the hiring of electricians.
The decrease in the financial appeal of traditional systems has also contributed to the emergence of this new technology. In recent years, American states have reduced the credits offered to homeowners who inject excess energy into the electrical grid, diminishing some of the economic benefits of conventional panels.
Despite regulatory progress, experts warn that certification remains a crucial point. UL Solutions, the company responsible for product safety standards, testing, and validation, reported that it was still evaluating plug-in systems for national use.
Kenneth Boyce, Vice President of Engineering at UL Solutions, warned that uncertified equipment can carry risks of electric shocks, damage to installations, and fires. The company expressed the expectation of certifying at least one system soon, provided all safety requirements are met.
Meanwhile, some consumers are already purchasing the equipment online. Alex Ottoboni, a resident of a condominium in the San Francisco Bay Area, installed two panels on his balcony even before California approved a specific law. His system resulted in a reduction of about US$ 5 to US$ 7 monthly on his electricity bill.
Ottoboni, who works with software, commented in an interview with The New York Times: 'I don't like having to depend on my utility company. The electricity service wasn't reliable and is getting more expensive every year.'
Interest in the technology is also linked to increasing household energy expenses. Data presented in the article indicates that the average residential electricity rate in the United States was 7% higher in April compared to the previous year. Industry experts predicted that bills could increase by up to 10.5% during the summer.
Organizations focused on expanding solar energy have started making smaller kits available to interested parties. Bright Saver, a non-profit entity in California, sells a set of two panels for US$ 414.17, which is equivalent to the manufacturing cost of the equipment.
Cora Stryker, co-founder of Bright Saver, stated that the organization aims to expand access to solar energy and encourage lower prices in the market. She emphasized that consumers show immediate interest in the technology due to concerns about electricity costs and climate change.
Other companies have also entered this segment. EcoFlow and Craftstrom sell larger systems, with prices ranging between US$ 1,300 and US$ 2,600, and state that they plan to seek full certification from UL Solutions.
Stephan Scherer, founder and CEO of Craftstrom, reported that the company's sales grew by 50% last year following the approval of new state legislation. He projected selling thousands of units annually.
The operation of these devices depends on an inverter, which converts the direct current generated by the panels into alternating current, enabling the supply of energy to appliances connected to the home grid. Germany authorized similar systems in October 2024, but the models sold there cannot be used in the United States due to differences between the electrical systems.
American utilities are primarily concerned with the possibility of power returning to the grid during failures, which poses risks to workers operating on power lines. Pedro J. Pizarro, CEO of Edison International, controlling Southern California Edison, expressed support for the technology but criticized a California proposal for not providing adequate protection for electrical sector employees.
Industry companies contest the existence of significant risks. Stephan Scherer of Craftstrom assured that their company's systems automatically shut down in case of a power outage, preventing electricity from continuing to be sent to the grid.
UL Solutions communicated that it will only approve equipment that can guarantee protection for both users and utility workers. For technology advocates, resolving these issues should pave the way for greater adoption of plug-in panels as an alternative to rising energy prices.
