You might have heard the term “balcony solar” in the news recently. These devices are relatively small solar panels that plug into a standard 110-volt outlet and supply power to the circuits they are attached to. The purpose of balcony solar is to provide a cost-effective way to reduce electricity consumption from the grid and, therefore, your electric bill.
During the European energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, balcony solar became a popular means of supplementing grid electricity in some countries, particularly Germany. Now with electricity rates climbing, balcony solar is getting a closer look in the U.S.
Balcony solar is not legal in most states for reasons explained below, but NH Senate Bill 540 was recently signed into law, permitting its use in the state once safety standards are set. Not everyone will benefit from balcony solar, but it is a great investment for those who can. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether balcony solar is right for you.
How does balcony solar work?
Balcony solar – also called plug-in solar, plug-and-play solar, or mini solar – is designed to plug into a standard outdoor power outlet. It is available in many configurations, but common components include a solar panel that collects energy from the sun and a micro-inverter that converts DC power from the panel to AC.
Another device called a smart power meter, which might go by other names depending on the brand, does not come standard with every balcony solar product, but it should. It monitors electricity usage on the circuit to which the balcony solar unit is connected to prevent overloads. This is important because the power generated by balcony solar is hidden from your home’s circuit breakers, so they might not shut off when an overload occurs.
The risk of overloading circuits with balcony solar is significantly lower in Europe due to how homes are wired. In Germany, for example, electrical power is supplied to homes via a single 230V line. This allows greater loads on the wiring and explains why balcony solar has been more readily adopted in Europe.
A single balcony solar unit will not offset electricity usage for your entire house. This is due to the way buildings are wired for electricity in the U.S. Most homes have two 120V lines that deliver electricity from the grid. Each of these lines is called a “phase.” Power generated from a balcony solar unit cannot go from one phase to another.
For this reason, it’s best to plug balcony solar into the phase with the higher electricity usage or, if it makes economic sense, use two units, one for each phase. Ask an electrician to identify the electrical loads on each phase if you can’t do so yourself.
Is balcony solar legal?
Yes and no. SB540 legalizes balcony solar conditionally. State building and interconnection codes must first be updated to account for a national safety standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories. UL 3700 addresses the overload risk and ensures that solar micro-inverters shut off quickly during a grid disruption to protect line workers and prevent electric shock when units are unplugged.
UL 3700 was released in January 2026, but the certification process for micro-inverters takes 6 to 12 months. As of July, only one micro-inverter was UL 3700 certified.
Is balcony solar safe?
Yes, if you are careful about choosing a brand and options that address the issues described above. This means buying a power meter and ensuring that the system complies with UL 3700.
How much does balcony solar cost?
SB540 limits balcony solar to 1,200 watts, even though systems twice that size are available. This is another safety trade-off. However, 800W is a more typical size. Expect to pay about $1,500 for an 800W system with a power meter.
How much electricity and money will balcony solar save me?
As with rooftop solar, the answer here is, “It depends.” Weather, panel location and positioning, electricity demand, and other variables will affect the efficiency of balcony solar. Ideally, a balcony solar panel should face south, be angled to directly face the sun, and be free of shade.
Do not expect balcony solar to cover your entire electric bill. An 800W system in New Hampshire weather will produce between 2 and 3.6 kilowatt-hours of electricity a day, according to one estimate. That would save about $281 a year with a 5.3-year payback on the initial investment, based on current electricity rates.
You also will not receive net metering payments for excess electricity from the utility because the energy stays in your home.
Can I use balcony solar for power backup?
No, balcony solar is not designed as a backup power source. You can use a battery to store excess electricity for use when the solar unit is not generating power, but this option could easily double the cost of an 800W system.
Do I need my landlord’s permission to install balcony solar?
Yes, you should get your landlord’s permission before installing balcony solar. Explain what it is and the expectations regarding benefits and limitations. Your landlord will want to know where you will locate it, where you will plug it in, and what’s drawing electricity on that circuit. They will also likely have concerns about the location of the solar panels, including aesthetics and space requirements.
When and where can I buy balcony solar?
Balcony solar kits are readily available from major online retailers and manufacturers. Popular brands include Anker, Craftstrom, EcoFlow, and Bluetti.
However, the kits sold today are not yet certified under state-mandated safety standards. Our advice: Be patient and wait for certified products and consumer guidance from the NH Department of Energy before plugging anything in.
In the meantime, make sure you have a practical location for the solar panel near an outdoor outlet on a circuit that will give you the most benefit from the system. That location might be on the ground, the side of the house, or, of course, a balcony.
Electricity rates are expected to rise for the foreseeable future, and balcony solar is one way to offset those costs. Just make sure that it’s practical for your situation and that you are willing to wait a few years for the investment to pay off.