Plug-in solar: DIY balcony systems cost $2,400 but only legal in Utah

Plug-in solar, also known as balcony solar or portable solar, promises a DIY way to connect panels directly to your home's AC system without a professional installation. ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, a long-time solar enthusiast, tested the setup and explains the reality. The key component is a microinverter that converts the DC output of solar panels into AC power, which is then fed into a standard household outlet. This is not simply plugging a panel into a wall socket — that would cause a short circuit. Systems like EcoFlow's PowerStream are among the first on the market.

Kingsley-Hughes notes that while the technology works, US regulation is a major barrier. Only Utah has passed legislation explicitly allowing plug-in solar systems. In most other states, they may violate electrical codes or utility rules. The cost — about $2,400 for a typical setup — means it will take years to recoup the investment via reduced electricity bills. The systems are best suited for offsetting a home's daytime base load (e.g., fridge, lights, electronics) rather than full energy independence. For tech-savvy homeowners in permitted areas, plug-in solar offers a lower-cost entry point into solar generation, but buyers must first check local laws.