Directory

Major plug-in & small-solar companies

A working directory of brands across plug-in kits, balcony solar, portable power, microinverters, and traditional solar. We mark unverified claims as 'research needed' rather than guess.

We are not affiliated with any company on this page. Always verify current product certifications, warranties, and U.S. compliance directly with the manufacturer before purchasing.

Plug-and-play solar kits

Craftstrom

Plug-and-play solar kits

Known for: Small UL-listed plug-in kits marketed in the U.S.

Typical customer: Homeowners wanting a small grid-tie offset

UL-listed equipment claimed

Designed for U.S. outlets

Utility approval still typically required

Limited size

Research needed — verify current product certifications and your utility's policy.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Balcony solar

Bright Saver / Craftstrom-style balcony kits

Balcony solar

Known for: Apartment and balcony-focused micro PV

Typical customer: Renters and apartment dwellers

Compact form factor

Designed for railings

U.S. legal status varies

Certification details vary by SKU

Research needed — confirm UL/ETL listing for U.S. installation.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Portable power stations

EcoFlow

Portable power stations

Known for: DELTA and RIVER series solar generators

Typical customer: Campers, backup power buyers, renters

Wide product range

Fast charging

Active US support

Battery degradation over time

Not a bill-offset solution alone

Self-contained; no utility paperwork for normal use.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Jackery

Portable power stations

Known for: Explorer series with SolarSaga panels

Typical customer: Campers, emergency backup

Strong brand recognition

Simple UX

Premium pricing

Limited expandability on older models

Self-contained; treat as an appliance.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Bluetti

Portable power stations

Known for: Larger LiFePO4 stations and expandable batteries

Typical customer: Resilience-focused households

LiFePO4 chemistry

Expandable capacity

Heavier units

Setup learning curve

Self-contained; AC coupling to home wiring is a separate, regulated step.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Microinverters

Enphase

Microinverters

Known for: IQ-series microinverters used in most U.S. installs

Typical customer: Installers and serious DIYers

Industry-standard reliability

Granular monitoring

Premium pricing

Designed for permitted installs

Used inside many compliant systems — not a plug-in product on its own.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Hoymiles

Microinverters

Known for: Multi-input microinverters popular in DIY kits

Typical customer: DIY and small-system builders

Cost-effective

Wide compatibility

Verify UL certification per SKU for U.S. use

Research needed — confirm current UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 listings.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

DIY solar suppliers

Renogy

DIY solar suppliers

Known for: Panels, charge controllers, batteries for off-grid and RV

Typical customer: DIYers, RV/marine, sheds, off-grid

Broad catalog

Strong DIY community

Most products are off-grid oriented

Grid tie still needs proper inverter + permit

Great for off-grid and mobile; grid tie requires additional code-compliant equipment.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Traditional rooftop solar

Sunrun

Traditional rooftop solar

Known for: Largest residential solar installer in the U.S.

Typical customer: Homeowners wanting full rooftop systems

Established financing

Full-service install

Long contracts

Not relevant for plug-in users

Reference point for comparing scale to plug-in options.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed

Traditional rooftop solar + battery

Tesla Energy

Traditional rooftop solar + battery

Known for: Solar panels, Solar Roof, Powerwall

Typical customer: Homeowners wanting integrated solar + storage

Strong battery integration

Brand recognition

Installation backlog varies

Permit-heavy

Reference point — fundamentally a permitted-install path.

Website: research needed Reviews: research needed