Americans Are Quietly Installing DIY Solar to Fight Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Homeowners and renters alike saw utility costs rise in the mid-2020s, directly impacting their monthly budgets. This is due to a range of factors, from some providers having virtual ownership in certain areas to efforts to reduce the costs of power-hungry AI data centers. Even common mistakes can increase resource costs. To do that, some have turned to do-it-yourself solar setups to generate their own energy and save money — all without tipping their utility providers, avoiding expensive connection costs on their already mounting bills.

These small, relatively simple systems are known as porch or plug-in solar: two to four panels can be placed outside, such as a porch, and powered through a wall outlet to harvest solar energy. This setup is easy to assemble, more convenient than a full solar roof installation, and saves money on utility costs – in addition to the usual environmental benefits of solar panels.

Reports from outlets such as Canary Media, The Washington Post, and CNN show that savings can range from about $100 a year to $35 to $50 a month. The exact numbers depend on factors such as location, available resource rates, and the size and power of the solar setup. While DIY solar seems like a great idea, there is also a legal side to it that you should be aware of. Unfortunately, laws across the United States are vague on the issue, but that may soon change.

Plug-in solar is nothing new: Germany, for example, has between 1.5 and 4 million installed systems by 2025, according to a report by HTW Berlin. In the US, however, there is legal uncertainty surrounding these energy systems, which may have contributed to their slow adoption. As of 2026, there is less regulation around the panels and accessories needed to make these systems work. As mentioned, utility companies also often charge customers to set them up and use them. However, some states are taking steps to empower those who want to give the solar shot.

At press time, the only state with strict DIY solar laws on the books is Utah. In 2025, the state passed House Bill 340, or the Solar Power Amendments bill, which authorizes and promotes the use of small solar systems in residential areas. These devices and their owners are exempt from requiring authorization and service provider fees. Although many states have not even introduced a potential law in this case, some, such as New York and California, have taken steps to legalize balcony solar and provide protection to those who hope to equip their homes with it.

Depending on the size, a plug-in solar setup can cost between a few hundred and over $1,000, providing between 200 and 800 watts of power. This means that users should have no problem powering lights, device chargers, radios, and fans, among others, from their solar panel setup. Some may even be able to use electrical appliances such as refrigerators.

As of 2026, there are many companies, such as Anker Solix and Craftstrom, that manufacture these solar kits, as well as a number of non-profit organizations that advocate and help in the discovery of solar. One of the largest is Bright Saver, which is dedicated to expanding plug-in solar to help families and individuals burdened with high energy bills while protecting the environment. Both it and other organizations like Solar United Neighbors help people get access to the solar technology they want without financial pressure.

Although customer complaints indicate that some solar companies should be avoided, many have raided the business of homeowners and renters. Given the improved laws that support balcony solar and the rising energy costs that encourage its adoption, it makes sense that some of these companies’ offerings will be popular with Americans.