Balcony Solar: What to Know

Consumer guidance for an emerging market

Balcony, or “plug-in” solar, became legal in Virginia in July. Balcony solar devices are small solar panels that you can purchase in stores or online which, when plugged into a power outlet in your home, will provide limited energy to your home which will reduce your power bill. Virginia was the first state in the south, and second in the nation, to enable this type of solar generation for individuals. There are some important things that you should know about balcony solar before deciding whether it is right for you and your home.

Before You Buy

Confirm that “balcony solar” (plug-in solar, mini-PV, or micro-solar) is allowed under your state and local electrical rules. Older homes or wiring may require upgrades. Don’t risk damage by using a balcony solar device where it isn’t recommended due to local requirements or electrical limitations in your home.

Verify whether your apartment, condo association, HOA, or landlord allows balcony solar. After July 1, no local Virginia government or landlord can outright prohibit the devices.
Understand that balcony solar systems are typically designed to offset a small portion of household usage—not fully power a home.
- If your entire home’s electrical usage is covered by your balcony solar device, then you might have too large a balcony solar system for your needs.
- It is important that your system be the right size — systems that are too large present fire and electrical hazards to your home, nearby homes or apartments, and can damage electric distribution circuits near your home.
- Your balcony solar device will not power your home or any appliances in the event of storm or grid outage — your balcony solar device will be off, just like the lights in your home.
You will still need to pay your monthly electric bill. Owning a balcony solar device will not entirely eliminate the bill you pay to your electric cooperative.

Safety First

Purchase only UL-listed or nationally recognized certified equipment with anti-islanding protection and certified inverters. Be careful! Unscrupulous sellers can fake these certifications.
- Don’t just buy the cheapest product—shop around for the best and highest quality.
- Remember these are electrical generators.
You shouldn’t need an electrician to install your balcony solar unit, but if you do need help, use qualified installers or electricians.
Do not plug your balcony solar device into overloaded existing outlets, power strips, or extension cords. Your balcony solar device should be the only thing plugged into the outlet where you are installing the device.
Ensure mounting systems, if used, are secure against wind, storms, and falling hazards. Keep panels and wiring clear of walkways, fire escapes, and emergency access areas.
Do not modify electrical plugs, breakers, or inverters yourself.
Check with your insurance company to make sure balcony solar use, and any associated fire or electrical risk, is covered by your rental or home insurance policy. Under Virginia law, you are responsible for all damage caused by your balcony solar device — whether to your own property or rent.
Keep documentation, manuals, and warranty information accessible.

Choosing the Right Location

South-facing exposure generally produces the best output.

Avoid shade from railings, neighboring buildings, trees, or awnings. Even partial shade can significantly reduce production. Production varies by weather, season, latitude, and shade. Output is highest during midday and will be reduced during winter months.

If your balcony solar device is on an actual balcony, check that the balcony structure can safely support the equipment weight. Installing balcony solar on a French balcony is not recommended.
Leave airflow around panels and inverters to reduce overheating.

System Sizing & Expectations

Most balcony solar systems are small—commonly 300W to 1,000W. The maximum size in Virginia is 1,200W per home.
There is no direct bill credit for using balcony solar. Your savings will only be the reduction to your normal electric usage caused by the electricity generated by your balcony solar device.

Electrical & Utility Considerations

You must notify your electric cooperative in advance of installing and using your balcony solar system.
- If your co-op doesn’t know you’ve decided to install a balcony solar system, our metering network may detect a problem, and we may call you to investigate or send a service technician to your home. If we don’t know you have balcony solar, we may think your electric meter is the problem.
- The State Corporation Commission will publish an official notification form , which you should use after July 1 to notify your co-op. The form will be published on the SCC website https://www.scc.virginia.gov/ when it becomes available.
- Within 15 days, your co-op may contact you to resolve questions or issues, if any are detected, as a result of your submitting the form.
- Your co-op may install a safety switch to isolate your home from the electrical grid if you use balcony solar. This is important because, in the event of a storm or grid outage, if your balcony solar were to back feed onto the grid, it could injure or kill a lineman.
Plug-in systems may still be subject to electrical inspection requirements.

Good Practices & Common Mistakes to Avoid

DO: Periodically clean panels if dust, pollen, or bird droppings accumulate.
DO: Inspect mounting hardware after severe weather.
DO: Use monitoring apps to track system performance.

DON’T: Buy oversized systems.
DON’T: Block emergency exits or violate building codes for an apartment building with your balcony solar device.
DON’T: Assume all outdoor outlets are suitable for balcony solar.
DON’T: Expect savings from a small balcony solar system equal to savings from large, professionally installed rooftop solar system.