DIY solar systems have exploded across Germany and Europe, appearing on balconies and in backyards. With energy costs rising and renewable technology prices falling worldwide, Americans are increasingly looking to generate their own electricity and cut bills despite federal opposition to renewables.
So far, Utah — which supported Trump in 2024 — is the only US state to pass reforms exempting smaller systems under 1,200 watts from rules meant for larger rooftop arrays. Vermont and Virginia have advanced similar bipartisan bills. Rupert Mayer, co‑founder of San Francisco nonprofit vendor Bright Saver, says plug‑in‑friendly legislation has been introduced in more than half of US states in recent months.
Plug‑in solar systems are simple: one or two panels with an inverter that plugs into a standard outlet. They are far cheaper than traditional rooftop installations — Bright Saver estimates savings of 80–97% — and do not require a technician to install. Once set up they reduce grid electricity use and can power small appliances such as a fridge, washing machine or computer. Bright Saver’s basic two‑panel kit costs about $2,400; in Germany starter kits can be as cheap as €349. Compared with US rooftop systems, which can cost ten times more, price is a major draw.
Advocates say plug‑in solar expands access for renters and apartment residents who otherwise can’t install rooftop panels. California Senator Scott Wiener introduced a bill to streamline approval for such systems in January. Ben Delman of Solar United Neighbors says Americans want more solar options and that cutting regulatory red tape will let the market grow as it did in Germany.
Germany’s commercial plug‑in panels have circulated since around 2010 but surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the move away from Russian gas. In 2024 more than 400,000 new balcony systems were registered, accounting for 2.6% (0.4 GW) of that year’s new solar capacity. By June 2025 total plug‑in installations reached 1 million, though regulators say actual numbers are likely higher because not all are registered. The tech typically limits feed‑in power to 800 watts and is available across much of the EU, with financial support in countries like Germany, Austria and Lithuania.
In the US, growth is constrained by a costly, time‑consuming approval process. Mayer says states are pursuing legislation and regulations tailored to smaller personal systems, new safety standards, building‑code and permit changes, and updates to homeowners’ and renters’ rights. These state‑level moves could enable plug‑in solar expansion locally even amid federal cuts to renewable funding. “This is something citizens can do at the hyperlocal level, and state lawmakers can enable it without spending any taxpayer money,” he said.
Delman projects about a five‑year payback period once regulations change, with payback times falling as more state markets open. High electricity price states like California could drive initial demand, bringing down prices and making plug‑in solar attractive elsewhere.
Additional reporting by Amanda Coulson‑Drasner.
Edited by Tamsin Walker
