Hoymiles introduces first UL 3700-compliant plug-in microinverter to U.S. market

A new device could make small-scale, plug-in solar power a real option for renters and homeowners without room for a full rooftop system. Hoymiles has released the HiFlow Pro, a microinverter made for plug-in solar setups—small panels that plug into a regular outlet and work on balconies, patios, or small roof spaces. It's the first product in the U.S. to meet a new safety standard called UL 3700, which sets rules specifically for this kind of consumer-installable solar gear, covering things like shutting off safely and preventing power from backing up into the grid.

The microinverter converts the panel's power efficiently, even as sunlight conditions change, and is built to handle dust, water spray, and a wide range of temperatures. You can connect up to four of these units at once, giving a combined output of 1,200 watts while staying within the electrical limits of a normal household circuit. Setup is meant to be simple: the company says it takes under a minute, using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to pair with a phone app for monitoring.

The bigger idea behind the product is access—plug-in solar could let renters and people in apartments or multi-family buildings generate some of their own power without the cost or commitment of a permanent rooftop system. If this approach catches on, it may open up solar to households that couldn't consider it before, though availability and rules for plug-in solar can still vary depending on where you live.