Is plug-in solar legal where you live, and will it pay off?
Enter your address. We check your state's plug-in solar law, then model what a kit would actually save where you'd put it (balcony, patio, yard or fence), using its direction, its tilt and your utility's real rate.
Where will the panels go?
TOP-DOWN VIEWStick = the way the panels face Dot = where the sun hits them best
Where plug-in solar is legal
Swipe the map sideways, or see the list of all states.
- Legal: 6 states
- Signed, not in force yet: 4
- Awaiting governor: 0
- Passed the legislature: 1
- Bill moving: 7
- No state law yet: 33
One statewide number can't tell you what your kit will save
Direction and tilt
A north-facing railing and a south-facing one can differ several times over. We run an hourly simulation for your exact angle.
Your utility's real rate
Savings depend on what you pay per kWh. We look up your utility's tariff, and you can type in the number from your bill.
What you actually use
Solar only saves money if something in your home is using it. Your meter file shows how much you'd send to the grid for free.
Railing, patio or fence: how much direction and tilt change the savings →
Free tool for renters
Need your landlord's OK?
Renting? Fill in your kit and get a letter to copy or print. It follows the notice rules where your state sets them.
Plug-in solar questions
Which US states have legalized plug-in (balcony) solar?
In force: Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Utah and Vermont. Signed, taking effect later: California (from Jan 1, 2027), New Hampshire (from Jan 1, 2027), New Jersey (from Mar 1, 2027) and Virginia (from Jan 1, 2027). Not law yet: New York (passed the legislature), District of Columbia (bill moving), Illinois (bill moving), Massachusetts (bill moving), Michigan (bill moving), Ohio (bill moving), Pennsylvania (bill moving) and Rhode Island (bill moving). Each state page links to the statute and shows the date we checked it.
How much can a plug-in solar kit save?
It depends on the direction and tilt of the panels, how much of their output your home uses at the moment it is made (plug-in kits usually earn nothing for power sent to the grid), and your electricity rate. Enter your address and the calculator models a typical year hour by hour with NLR PVWatts data (formerly NREL) and your utility's rate.
Do I need a balcony for plug-in solar?
No. Plug-in kits also go on a patio or yard stand, a fence or wall, or a flat roof or shed. The calculator lets you pick the mounting and tilt.
Is my address stored?
No. Your address is sent to the US Census geocoder to find its location and is then discarded. Result links contain only coordinates rounded to about 1 km.