GoKawiil
Tech News
Consumer-grade solar kits that plug directly into a standard wall outlet, long popular in Europe as balcony solar, are gaining traction in the US. These systems pair a few small panels with a microinverter that feeds power into the home's electrical circuit, with an optional battery to store excess energy for use at night or during outages.
California lawmakers passed SB 868, a bill that sets rules for small, plug-in solar devices—often mounted on balconies, yards or roofs—capped at 1,200 watts per home. The bill replaces the costly utility interconnection process for these systems with a free online registration, provided devices meet electrical codes, carry third-party safety certification and include anti-backfeed protection. It now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, with compliant products potentially available by spring 2027.
Britain's government has moved to permit plug-in solar kits, but the Institution of Engineering and Technology says the country's electrical infrastructure wasn't built for it. IET technical regulations head Mark Coles says many homes still use older Residual Current Devices designed only for one-way power flow, which can fail or burn out when solar feeds electricity back through them. The IET issued its own warning the same day as the government's announcement, urging homeowners to get professional wiring checks before installing any system.
EcoFlow unveiled new in-home battery systems in London timed with the UK's move to legalize plug-in solar setups. The author argues that standalone plug-in solar has been largely overtaken by hybrid battery-solar systems, since solar generation peaks at midday while most household energy demand happens in the morning and evening.