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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Pennsylvania is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W without utility approval, fees, or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when Pennsylvania goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in Pennsylvania today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including Pennsylvania, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
HB 1971
Expected vote
In Committee — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
PECO / PPL / Duquesne Light

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.132/kWh in 2021 → $0.160/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.132
2021
$0.137
2022
$0.142
2023
$0.148
2024
$0.154
2025
$0.160
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.351/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,564
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Pennsylvania's $0.160/kWh avg. rate and 4.3 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for Pennsylvania

sorted by your payback period
9yr payback~$1,460 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$59/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
9yr payback~$3,061 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$108/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
9yr payback~$2,981 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$111/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4.3h/day (Pennsylvania avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.160/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
640 kWh
53 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$102
$9/mo
Payback Period
10 yrs
by year 10
25-Year Savings
$3,980
net $2,780
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Pennsylvania?
It's not explicitly banned, but current rules require a standard interconnection agreement for any grid-tied device. HB 1971, introduced in the 2025-26 session, would create a 'permissionless' category for UL 3700-certified balcony solar up to a wattage limit, but the bill is currently stalled due to fire-safety concerns raised by officials.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania has no solar-access law protecting homeowners from HOA restrictions — a 2023-24 bill (SB 826) that would have changed this failed to pass, so HOAs can legally ban or heavily restrict solar installations through their CC&Rs.
Does PECO or PPL offer net metering?
Yes, net metering is available under Pennsylvania's AEPS Act (Act 213) and administered by the PUC, though interconnection review timelines vary by utility — typically 2-5 weeks — and there's no fast-track for small plug-in devices yet.
What's the status of Pennsylvania's balcony solar bill?
HB 1971 (2025-26 session) would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from interconnection requirements and prohibit HOA/landlord bans, but it's currently stalled in committee amid concerns from fire officials about battery and wiring safety.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for solar overall?
Pennsylvania's renewable growth has lagged (ranked low nationally), and its AEPS renewable targets expired in 2021 without renewal, though SREC prices and utility net metering programs still make grid-tied solar workable for many homeowners.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Pennsylvania legislature and will email you the moment HB 1971 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.