Plug-In Solar Guide

Compare paths

Main plug-in & small-solar options

There isn't one 'plug-in solar' — there's a spectrum. Here are the major paths, what they're good for, and where the gotchas are.

Plug-In Grid-Tie Solar Kits

All-in-one kits that feed power into a home circuit through a microinverter.

Best for
Homeowners who want a small offset without rooftop install
Power range
300W – 1,200W typical
Cost range
$400 – $1,800 (research current pricing)
Electrician?
Often
Utility approval?
Usually

Pros

  • No roof work
  • Relatively low upfront cost
  • Can reduce daytime usage

Cons

  • Legal status varies widely
  • May require utility approval
  • Not all kits meet US code
Most U.S. utilities require interconnection agreements even for small systems. Verify with your utility first.

Balcony Solar Kits

Compact panels designed to hang from a balcony railing — popular in Europe.

Best for
Apartment dwellers, renters with a sunny balcony
Power range
300W – 800W typical
Cost range
$300 – $1,200 (research current pricing)
Electrician?
Sometimes
Utility approval?
Often

Pros

  • Renter-friendly form factor
  • No roof access needed
  • Quick to set up

Cons

  • U.S. legality is unsettled
  • Most kits are EU-certified, not UL-listed
  • HOA/landlord rules may block
U.S. electrical code (NEC) and UL certification matter. Many imported balcony kits aren't UL-listed.

Portable Solar Generators

Battery + inverter in a box, charged by foldable solar panels.

Best for
Camping, backup power, renters, off-grid use
Power range
200Wh – 4,000Wh battery, 100W – 800W panels
Cost range
$200 – $4,000
Electrician?
No
Utility approval?
No

Pros

  • No interconnection needed
  • Portable
  • Works during outages

Cons

  • Doesn't reduce your grid bill by itself
  • Limited capacity
  • Batteries degrade
Generally legal everywhere as a self-contained appliance. Follow manufacturer instructions.

Solar Panels with Battery Backup

Panels paired with a battery — can be portable or semi-permanent.

Best for
Resilience-focused buyers who want outage protection
Power range
400W – 3,000W panels with sized battery
Cost range
$1,000 – $10,000+
Electrician?
Often
Utility approval?
Sometimes

Pros

  • Outage backup
  • Time-shift solar to evening use
  • Modular

Cons

  • Significant cost
  • Battery safety and siting rules
  • Complexity grows fast
Permanent battery installs are heavily code-regulated. Portable units have fewer restrictions.

DIY Solar Kits

Components you assemble — panels, charge controller, inverter, wiring.

Best for
Hands-on builders with electrical knowledge
Power range
Any — you design it
Cost range
$300 – $20,000+
Electrician?
Usually
Utility approval?
Usually

Pros

  • Maximum flexibility
  • Often cheaper per watt
  • Learning experience

Cons

  • Easy to make unsafe mistakes
  • Permitting still applies
  • Warranty fragmentation
DIY does not exempt you from code, permits, or inspection. A licensed electrician is often required for tie-in.

Ground-Mounted Small Solar

Panels on a rack in your yard instead of the roof.

Best for
Properties with sunny yard space
Power range
1,000W – 10,000W+
Cost range
$2,000 – $25,000+
Electrician?
Yes
Utility approval?
Usually

Pros

  • Optimal tilt and orientation
  • Easier maintenance than roof
  • Avoids roof penetrations

Cons

  • Uses yard space
  • Trenching for wiring
  • Same permitting as rooftop
Treated like a normal PV install — full permitting and interconnection usually required.

Shed / Garage Solar

A small system to power outbuildings, sometimes off-grid.

Best for
Workshops, sheds, detached garages
Power range
200W – 3,000W
Cost range
$300 – $5,000
Electrician?
Sometimes
Utility approval?
Rarely

Pros

  • Off-grid option avoids interconnection
  • Simple scope
  • Useful for tools/lighting

Cons

  • Limited to that building
  • Battery sizing matters
  • Still must follow code
Off-grid sheds avoid utility paperwork, but local electrical code still applies.

RV-Style Solar Used at Home

12V / 24V DC systems with a small inverter — borrowed from RV builds.

Best for
Tinkerers, partial loads, backup
Power range
100W – 1,500W
Cost range
$200 – $3,000
Electrician?
Sometimes
Utility approval?
Rarely

Pros

  • Inexpensive components
  • Lots of online guidance
  • Modular

Cons

  • Not designed for whole-home loads
  • DC wiring is unforgiving
  • Code compliance unclear
Fine for self-contained DC loads; tying into household 120V AC is where most rules kick in.

Traditional Rooftop Solar

Professionally installed, permitted, and interconnected PV system.

Best for
Homeowners ready for a full system
Power range
3,000W – 15,000W+
Cost range
$10,000 – $40,000+ before incentives
Electrician?
Yes
Utility approval?
Yes

Pros

  • Largest bill offset
  • Strong warranties
  • Federal tax credit eligible

Cons

  • High upfront cost
  • Roof condition matters
  • Long contracts
Fully permitted and inspected. The most clearly legal path.

Need a head-to-head? See our comparison pages.