Balcony solar is sweeping the US, but who's actually selling it?

Plug-in solar, sometimes called balcony solar, is catching on across the country. It's a small setup: you hang one or two panels where they get sun and plug them straight into a wall outlet, sending power into your home to offset part of your electric bill. It doesn't need the permits or installer costs of a full rooftop system, which makes it a possible fit for renters or anyone who can't do traditional solar. Utah legalized it last year, and ten more states have passed laws allowing it in recent months, with others considering bills.

The catch is that equipment popular in Germany, where this trend started, can't simply be shipped to the US, because the electrical systems differ. A few companies are now selling US-adapted versions. CraftStrom and EcoFlow, both with German roots, have redesigned their panels and added software to meet US electrical codes and state-specific rules, like wattage caps. Bright Saver, a nonprofit, sells lower-cost kits (recent pricing around $285 to $414, plus a $29 membership fee) built from separately certified parts, though its stock has been selling out. Bigger, established solar and off-grid battery brands, including Qcells and Jackery, haven't yet entered the US plug-in market, partly because safety certification for complete systems is still new and electrical code rules are still being finalized.

If you're curious about trying this, the options depend heavily on what your state currently allows, so it's worth checking your own state's rules before assuming a product will be legal to use where you live.