Thinking about plug-in solar? It may be coming to your state soon


Backyard solar panels

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Plug-in solar systems are an alternative to large, professionally installed rooftop solar.
  • The US regulatory system for utilities wasn’t built for plug-and-play solar setups, so it’s taking time for state laws to catch up.
  • Thus far, only Utah has legalized plug-in solar in the US, allowing small systems of up to 1,200w to plug directly into a traditional outlet.

Plug-in solar has risen in popularity among sustainability fans in recent years, but the practice isn’t yet legal in all of the United States. If you’ve been thinking about joining the plug-in solar bandwagon, here’s what you should know.

What is plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar systems, also known as balcony solar, are easy, plug-and-play solar panels that include an inverter and small battery. The system connects to a home’s standard 120-volt outlet and automatically flows the electricity from the battery to the nearest running appliance.

These systems are small and portable, and aren’t meant to replace grid electricity or dependency on utility companies. Instead, they generate anywhere between 200W and 1,800W, but are an easy solution to reduce energy costs with an affordable investment.

Also: Switch to plug-in solar? My advice after testing the DIY energy tech at home

Instead of going on rooftops and requiring professional installation, plug-in solar systems can easily go on a balcony, backyard, or a patio. 

“Historically, solar adoption has been tied to homeownership, but that’s not a reflection of today’s housing realities,” Solar Energy Expert from Wolf River Electric, Justin Nielsen, commented on the matter. “More than a third of Americans rent, and that number is even higher in urban areas where sustainability is most urgent. If we’re serious about transitioning to renewable energy, we need scalable solutions that work for everyone, not just those with rooftops.”

The backyard solar consumer only pays for the system, bypassing installation costs, permits, and inspections.

Where is plug-in solar legal?

The EcoFlow PowerStream is a great bit of kit that I've had workig for rmonths.

A microinverter, like the one pictured above, is the brains of the plug-in solar operation.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

In the US, plug-in solar systems are only legal in the state of Utah. HB 340 legalized plug-in solar systems of up to 1,200W that can plug in directly to a standard outlet. The law in Utah doesn’t require traditional utility interconnection agreements, enabling users to enjoy a truly plug-and-play system. 

Across the world, there are multiple countries that have not only legalized plug-in solar but have popularized it, like Germany. Balcony solar systems became popular in Germany because the government largely encouraged distributed energy and clean energy solutions.

The European country also has high electricity prices and many apartments and compact urban housing units. Germany’s success inspired Republican lawmaker Raymond Ward to introduce HB 340. The bill was intentionally narrow and low-cost to ensure support. It avoids subsidies and mandates, caps systems at 1,200W, and requires UL-certified equipment and anti-islanding protections.

Even with a narrow bill, Utah pioneered the legalization of plug-in solar in the US and has inspired dozens of states to introduce similar bills.

What states are working to legalize plug-in solar?

After Utah legalized plug-in solar in 2025, as many as 30 states have introduced bills to do the same. Several of these states are close to passing plug-in solar laws, including Virginia, which has already signed it into law, which will be effective on July 1, 2026. 

States like Colorado and Maine approved legislation in 2026, and others, like California, New York, Vermont, Hawaii, and Maryland, have active bills currently.

Once plug-in solar is legalized in California, efforts to move bills forward will likely snowball across the country — as will the availability of such systems in the US. California has an estimated population of over 39 million residents, and is already a large solar market in the country. 

Also: EcoFlow’s new backyard solar energy system starts at $599 – no installation crews or permits needed

“These units are small and mobile enough that millions of Californians can use them to save on affordable clean energy where rooftop systems aren’t appropriate,” San Francisco Senator Scott Wiener said when the Senate voted to pass the Plug And Play Solar Act SB 868 this week. “The cost of electricity has risen to absurd levels, and plug-in solar is an easy way families can lower costs.”

California electricity costs to customers have increased by almost 40% between 2022 and 2025, making the state the second-highest electricity rates in the US, trailing Hawaii.

Why is plug-in solar not legal in most US states?

There is no single national approval process for backyard solar in the US. Electrical connectivity rules are mostly handled at the state level by local utilities and public utility commissions, so each state must pass legislation and update utility rules to legalize plug-in solar.

“Broader adoption requires strong policy backing and consumer education,” Nielsen said. “What we need now are updated local ordinances, incentive programs that include renters, and a push to normalize these systems. That’s how we build a cleaner, more inclusive energy grid.” 

American utilities and electrical regulators have slowed the widespread legalization of backyard solar setups because they worry about grid instability, backfeeding during outages, overloaded circuits, uncertified inverters, and fire risks.

Unlike Germany, the US has narrowed its focus on legislation for permanent solar panel systems, like rooftop solar arrays and commercial solar installations. Years ago, Germany and other European countries solved many of the concerns that worry US regulators by standardizing equipment and regulations.

US utilities also have multiple requirements for any device that can send electricity back into the grid, regardless of the amount of energy returned. 

Also: How I boosted my portable solar panels’ power by up to 30% – 11 expert-approved tips

Most plug-in solar systems are too small to be able to send electricity back into the grid, as homes consume all the solar energy without leaving overages. However, the possibility is there, so the legislature has to regulate them.

A device that can send electricity back to the grid typically requires multiple permits, interconnection agreements, inspections, and utility approval, which is everything that backyard solar setups seek to avoid. 

There’s also the issue that utility companies resist changes that may result in consumers bypassing them altogether, as that cuts down on utility revenue. With plug-in solar, utilities face the risk of losing small amounts of electricity sales, visibility, and control.

Does plug-in solar work to save on utility bills?

EcoFlow 125W modular solar panels

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

Millions of backyard solar setups in Germany have proven that the system works. However, plug-in solar systems help offset your home’s constant electricity usage; they don’t power your whole house. 

These systems work best when powering devices that are constantly consuming electricity, such as a fridge, Wi-Fi equipment, TVs, smart home devices, and HVAC fans. 

A typical plug-in solar system like the one I have at home with two 410W panels will harness between 3 and 5kWh daily, or 90-150kWh monthly. Depending on your electricity rate, this can translate to anywhere between $13 and $35 in monthly savings. 

Also: I spent two years testing wind power at home – here’s why solar is still my preferred source

Instead of running your home on solar and fully replacing the grid, plug-in solar helps reduce the amount of energy your home consumes.

Backyard solar also offers cheaper, smarter inverters, easier installations, and very few safety incidents compared to rooftop solar arrays. 

Why is plug-in solar so popular?

Plug-in and backyard solar systems have become so popular mainly because they’re a more affordable alternative to traditional solar panel installations. The systems are also modular and portable, so consumers choose the size of their setup and can bring it along when they move. 

“Community solar programs let renters benefit from solar without physical installation,” Nielsen added. “Balcony systems empower individuals to generate their own electricity, even in high-rise buildings. Also, apartment-wide installations are proving economically viable for developers who think long-term.”

Even a small 600W to 800W system can noticeably trim electricity bills, especially for users with time-of-use billing and expensive evening electricity. 





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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