Publish Date: June 1st, 2026
Solar is becoming more accessible in Colorado with the passage of a new bill, advocated for by Namaste Solar, that supports plug-in solar. Renters and condo owners have been left out of the clean energy transition, but plug-in solar is opening up new possibilities.
Plug-in solar, also called balcony solar or patio solar, is an emerging technology in the United States, though it’s already widely used across parts of Europe. In addition, community solar has been a go-to option for many and allows renters and homeowners alike to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their property.
Plug-in solar and community solar can be strong options for renters and others who don’t have access to a roof or for those who traditional solar isn’t the right fit. But there are limitations. The right choice ultimately depends on your goals, your living situation, and what kind of investment makes sense for you.
Key Takeaways for Plug-in Solar
- Colorado passed legislation that allows individuals and businesses to use plug-in solar generation devices, also known as balcony solar, that plug into a standard wall outlet.
- Plug-in solar refers to small solar PV systems that plug directly into the outlets in your home.
- Community solar is when a renter or homeowner subscribes to an off-site solar array and receives credits on their utility bills for the power generated.
- With traditional rooftop solar, you own a clean energy power plant on your roof, your bills can be as low as $0, your home value will increase, you get relief from rising energy costs, and you lower your carbon footprint significantly.
Is Plug-in Solar Legal in Colorado?
Colorado passed legislation that allows individuals and businesses to use plug-in solar generation devices, also known as balcony solar, that plug into a standard wall outlet. These small solar power systems can be up to 1,920 watts. You can learn more about the specifics of the bill here. In early May, this bill was adopted.
So, for Coloradans, plug-in solar is now legal. With the passing of the bill comes a regulatory framework for plug-in solar, and the bill categorizes plug-in solar as property rather than permanent fixtures, which prevents the banning of their use by HOAs or local governments. This policy opens the door for people who historically have been left out of solar to participate in renewables with lower upfront costs.
When this bill became law, Colorado joined Utah as a U.S. leader in plug-in solar deployment.
What is Plug-in Solar?
Plug-in solar refers to small solar PV systems that plug directly into the outlets in your home. These systems are used primarily by people who live in apartments or lack access or ownership to rooftop space used by a traditional solar system.
So, what are the pros and cons of plug-in solar? Let’s take a look.
Pros:
- Take part in the renewable energy movement – When you get plug-in solar, you begin using solar energy for a small portion of your energy needs.
- Lower cost – Plug-in solar systems are lower cost than a traditional rooftop system. They can range in cost from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000.
- Increased accessibility –You now can use solar if you have a balcony, patio, or other area to place the plug-in solar.
- Easy installation – While plug-in solar will literally plug-in to your standard outlets and generally doesn’t require any electrical upgrades, the Colorado bill does state that a licensed electrician needs to install the meter collar and do all other electrical work.
- Reduced energy bills – Plug-in solar systems can produce up to 1,920 watts and can help offset a portion of your electricity use, which may lead to modest savings on your bill depending on system size, placement, and energy usage.
- System portability – Plug-in solar is highly portable, since it’s just a plug-in system. That means that if you want to move it to a different place at your abode or if you move altogether, you can bring it with you.
Cons:
- System size limitations – The Colorado bill limits the system size for plug-in solar to 1.92 kW while the average home solar system that we install at Namaste Solar is 9 kW. For this reason, plug-in solar does not replace traditional solar in many instances.
- Limited savings – While 10%-30% can be a compelling amount of savings, these savings are limited by production and utility cost raises. Traditional solar systems offer savings at a much higher rate.
- Lower energy output –Plug-in solar won’t cover all the power that you use in your apartment, which can be a limitation.
- Regulatory issues – In Colorado, plug-in solar isn’t fully legal yet. And even when it is, the law comes with a regulatory structure that could end up being limiting.
- Safety risks – There are safety risks whenever you are dealing with electricity, and this DIY solution is no exception. Sizing a plug-in solar system appropriately and placing in a safe location considering things like high winds are just two considerations to keep in mind.
- Aesthetics – With plug-in solar, you’re left putting the panels wherever they can fit. This can lead to a setup that isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as a cleanly designed and installed rooftop system.
Plug-in solar is best for renters who don’t have the roof space to invest in a traditional solar system but still want to use clean energy. It’s also good for renters who move often, as the system can go with you.
What is Community Solar?
Community solar is when a renter or homeowner subscribes to an off-site solar array and receives credits on their utility bills for the power generated. For many who subscribe, the credits they see on their utility bills can offer worthwhile savings.
Community solar has been an option for years, allowing access to some of the benefits of renewable energy without having a solar array where you live.
So, what are pros and cons of community solar? Let’s explore.
Pros:
- Take part in the clean energy transition – When you enroll in a community solar subscription, you begin using solar energy for a portion of your energy needs.
- Don’t need to have roof space or balcony space– No balcony or yard? No problem. Is your roof too shady for solar? That’s okay! For some subscribers, the solar farm where they get their solar can be dozens of miles away.
- Lowers your utility bill – Every month you’ll get credits on your bill and those credits translate to savings on your bill with community solar. The average savings range from 5% to 20%.
- No upfront costs – When you buy plug-in solar or a traditional solar system, there’s an upfront cost. With community solar you pay no upfront cost to subscribe meaning that it’s free to start using solar power and seeing savings.
Cons:
- You don’t own the system – There is power in solar system ownership because you start building equity in the system. That isn’t an option with community solar.
- You don’t have control over the power output – You don’t have control over how much of your power comes from solar or how much savings you’ll see when you’re using community solar.
- Limited availability – There’s a limit to how many solar farms there are and their capacity for power generation. This creates a limited availability for community solar subscriptions.
How Do These Technologies Compare to a Traditional Solar Installation?
As we’ve discussed, there are circumstances where plug-in solar or community solar is the right choice. But for many Coloradans, traditional solar and battery backup still allows for the biggest benefits.
When you install a solar system with battery backup on your home, you invest in a clean energy power plant that can supply all the electricity you need. You also enjoy reduced electricity bills – some solar customers see their electricity charges drop all the way down to $0.
In addition to monthly savings, rooftop solar provides relief from rising energy costs. Since you lock in energy rates on day one, you’re not subject to the whim of the utility company and ever rising rates.
On top of saving on your bill, solar can increase a home’s value, with some studies estimating an average premium of around 4%. For some sellers, this allowed them to sell their home for thousands more than if they didn’t have a rooftop solar system.
Our environment also benefits the most from rooftop solar. You lower your carbon footprint a much larger amount, having a more significant impact on our environment. Afterall, 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. result from residential energy use. Think of it this way. For the next 25+ years, the expected life of a solar system, your home’s energy can come straight from your roof instead of polluting sources. It’s a long-term shift toward cleaner living, powered by something you already get every day, sunshine.
Traditional solar and battery backup is best for homeowners who want to experience the biggest benefits solar energy has to offer. With this path, you’ll see the most savings, be insulated from increased electricity rates and grid outages (with battery backup), see an immediate increase in your home’s value, and contribute massively to a cleaner environment.
The Momentum of Renewable Energy Is Growing
Namaste Solar advocated for the new Colorado bill supporting plug-in solar because we want to see solar become more accessible for more Coloradans. Whether you choose plug-in solar, community solar, or a traditional solar system, you’re joining the growing clean energy revolution.
If you’re considering rooftop solar or battery backup, speak with a knowledgeable non-commissioned solar advisor to understand what makes the most sense for your goals. To get started, give us a call at 303-536-8920 or click the button below.
