Small solar panel kits, which can be assembled as easily as an Ikea bookcase and plugged into a standard residential outlet, are on the verge of becoming a reality in New Hampshire and Vermont. Lawmakers and advocates in both states are actively preparing legislation aimed at making these innovative plug-in solar systems accessible to residents who may lack the space, financial resources, or inclination to install traditional rooftop solar arrays.
“It’s really about energy affordability,” said Kevin Chou, cofounder of Bright Saver, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the adoption of plug-in solar technology. “It’s about access for people who wanted solar but haven’t been able to get it.”
These systems, often referred to as “portable” or “balcony” solar, typically come in kits that even a novice can assemble at home. Once set up, they plug into a standard outlet, channeling the power they generate into the home’s electrical system instead of drawing electricity from it.
While these plug-in systems won’t generate enough power to fulfill all—or even most—of a household’s energy needs, they are designed to offset enough consumption to recoup their costs within four to five years. This payback period can occur even without financial incentives such as tax credits or net metering, according to Chou. Currently, models available on the market start at approximately $2,000, and as popularity grows, prices may fall, potentially shortening the payback timeline.
“You don’t need any subsidies to make this work,” Chou emphasized. “The pure economics are so attractive; it’s one of the best investments you can make.”
Globally, the concept has already gained significant traction, particularly in Germany, where over a million balcony solar systems have been deployed. However, in the United States, widespread adoption has been lagging.
Recently, momentum has shifted in the U.S. In March, Utah became the first state to pass legislation authorizing and regulating plug-in solar systems, thanks to collaborative efforts with Bright Saver. Following Utah’s lead, a Pennsylvania state representative has announced plans to introduce similar legislation, and Bright Saver is in discussions with lawmakers in about a dozen other states regarding potential bills.
All proposed legislation shares the same foundational principles as Utah’s law: it aims to define a new category of small, portable solar systems and ensure that households can use these systems without having to submit applications or pay fees to the state or utilities. Furthermore, these proposals will establish safety standards for the systems, requiring certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a renowned safety certification organization.
Currently, only two manufacturers produce plug-in solar systems with inverters that comply with UL’s safety requirements. However, as this market remains relatively new, UL has yet to develop comprehensive standards for complete systems. Chou indicates that Bright Saver and other advocates are collaborating with UL to expedite the establishment of these standards, which are expected to be finalized in the coming months.
Several startups are also poised to enter the market next year, ready to launch their products once UL standards are clarified. “Bottom line: Once Vermont’s legislation passes, there will be existing manufacturers ready to sell into the state immediately, along with new entrants waiting for additional UL clarity,” Chou added.
Supporters of plug-in solar systems are optimistic that their benefits—such as reduced electricity costs and the empowerment of personal energy choices—will resonate even in states that have historically been less supportive of renewable energy initiatives. The successful adoption of this technology in Republican-leaning Utah has encouraged advocates that similar acceptance can be achieved elsewhere.
“I am optimistic that, as in Utah, it’s going to be seen as a commonsense way to just get out of the way and let people do good things,” stated Ben Edgerly Walsh, climate and energy program director at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, which is backing Vermont’s anticipated plug-in solar bill.
In New Hampshire, a state known for its libertarian “live free or die” ethos, Democratic state Senator David Watters believes that this dynamic could work to the technology’s advantage, even amidst a historical backdrop of limited support for solar initiatives. “We’re really kind of stuck in a rut with anti-renewable-energy sentiment in the House,” Watters noted. “This seemed like something that would fit into the ethos of people being able to make individual choices.”
Watters, who serves on the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has collaborated with local advocacy group Clean Energy New Hampshire to draft a plug-in solar bill modeled after Utah’s legislation. This draft is slated for refinement over the coming months, with a formal introduction in the legislature anticipated for January.
Importantly, Watters emphasized that his proposal would not undermine the authority of homeowners associations or landlords to impose their own regulations on residents and tenants. “Their authority is not taken away,” he clarified. “For this state, that’s crucial.”
In Vermont, Democratic state legislators Sen. Anne Watson and Rep. Kathleen James are championing a plug-in solar bill based on legislation drafted by Bright Saver. Watson is particularly enthusiastic about the potential for plug-in solar technology to benefit low-income residents and renters. “This creates access for folks who might otherwise not have the authority to put something on their roof, or who might need something a little more flexible,” she stated.
Although Vermont has a strong tradition of supporting renewable energy, the political landscape is shifting. Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, has shown hesitance to allocate public funds for clean energy initiatives, and the recent loss of veto-proof Democratic majorities in the legislature has cast a shadow over the future of energy and climate policies in the state.
Despite these challenges, Watson has received encouraging feedback from her legislative colleagues, even before the bill is formally considered. Several lawmakers approached her with similar proposals, unaware she was already working on the legislation. Initial discussions with the Scott administration have also been promising, with Watson noting that officials appear willing to explore the idea further. “While I can’t say they are necessarily for it, the reception I’ve received so far is that they are open and interested in learning more,” she said. “I am hoping for broad support.”
