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“They seem pretty expensive for what I’d save in electricity costs.”
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A new kind of low-hassle solar panels is coming to Connecticut as the state legalizes balcony solar.
Soon, plug-in panel kits capped at 1,200 watts can be used without prior approvals, if they are at least UL-approved. That possibility is already drawing interest from residents facing steep electricity prices. 
But it has also exposed a basic problem. While the legal pathway opens Thursday, the products that many people want won’t actually be available.
The issue surfaced in a Reddit thread on the site’s r/DIYSolar community, where a Connecticut resident asked whether any plug-in solar kits would make financial sense once the state’s rule begins. 
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The original poster described the planned change as allowing UL-approved systems without advance approval and summed up the cost question: “They seem pretty expensive for what I’d save in electricity costs, although I’m in one of the top 3 states for expensive electricity.”
The OP then asked the forum: “Advice on 1,200 watt plug-in panel kits?”
Replies suggested these setups can reduce how much electricity a home pulls from the grid, but many users said shoppers may be early to a market that is not ready yet. One response was especially blunt, writing: “No UL approved kits yet.”
A different commenter pointed to a cheaper route using “UL 3700 certified microinverters” with panels bought locally, while stressing that the equipment sends electricity into the home overall instead of serving one dedicated appliance. The user added: “They are not intended to power anything specific, they just put power back into your house where it is used, offsetting grid consumption.”
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Much of the discussion then centered on what Connecticut will actually require for certification.
Some commenters said the rule could be interpreted to mean the entire package must qualify as a UL 3700-certified system, rather than relying on certification for only the microinverter.
If that reading holds, people may technically have a legal option before stores have compliant products to sell them. Multiple users said fully packaged UL 3700 kits do not seem to be on the market. 
A smaller, simpler setup could lower the barrier to entry for people who are not ready for a full rooftop installation, especially in a state with high power bills. Yet, several commenters said uncertified or partially certified combinations could create legal or interconnection headaches, especially for first-time solar users.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
For homeowners looking for bigger savings, getting rooftop solar is still one of the best ways to save money on home energy. You can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. 
EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Batteries can also help households keep more of the power they produce instead of wasting potential generation when usage and production do not line up. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
Connecticut’s rule, scheduled to begin Thursday, is part of a broader push to legalize plug-in solar and make home installations easier.
• New Hampshire signed plug-in solar into law, blocking utilities from charging fees or demanding approval.
• California moved a step closer to legalizing plug-in solar with no permit required.
• Across the U.S., plug-and-play solar panels gained momentum as more states considered legalization.
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

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