Guides
Plug-in solar guides
Nine guides, one question each: how plug-in solar works, what it costs, whether it pays back, and which rules and safety checks apply. Each guide lists its sources and the date they were checked.
- Guides9
- Numbers fromPVGIS · EIA · bills
How plug-in solar worksPlug-in solar converts panel DC into AC for your home through an outlet. Learn about power flow, outage shutdown and state size limits.How it worksIs plug-in solar worth it?Plug-in solar can pay back in a few years in sunny, high-rate states, but often takes decades in cooler, low-rate places.Is it worth it?How much plug-in solar costsTypical costs and $/W for plug-in solar kits, what’s included, extra costs, and how to compare offers.CostUL 3700 and plug-in solarWhat UL 3700 covers, which states name it in law, and which plug-in solar kits are listed or only claim compliance.UL 3700Microinverters for plug-in solarUnderstand plug-in solar microinverters, AC output versus panel watts, clipping estimates, certification claims, and models used in US kits.MicroinvertersPlugging solar into a wall outlet: what the rules requirePlug-in solar outlet safety: state code requirements, certification, GFCI protection, circuit limits, extension cords and outage shutdown.Outlets and safetyDo you need a battery with plug-in solar?When a battery helps with plug-in solar and when it doesn't. Calculator results for 0–4 kWh batteries, kit prices and outage limits.BatteriesMounting plug-in solar: angle, direction and shadeCompare vertical solar panel output by direction and tilt, plus what to check before mounting on a balcony, wall, ground or flat roof.Angle, direction and shadeHow much electricity plug-in solar producesHow much electricity an 800 W plug-in solar kit produces in US cities, monthly kWh/day patterns, and how it compares to refrigerators.How much power