Balcony Solar — Does It Really Work?

Dale Rolph
Sep 26
5 min read

Updated: Sep 28

What if you could lower your electric bill just by plugging in a solar panel on your balcony? At first, it sounds like one of those late-night infomercial pitches that promise the world and deliver a gimmick. But balcony solar is real. It’s been booming across Europe, and it’s finally starting to make its way into the United States. The question is: does it actually work here, and will lawmakers let it?

With the expiration of the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) looming, the solar industry in America is at a crossroads. Installers are worried about higher costs, consolidation, and potential closures. Meanwhile, millions of people — especially in California — are being priced out of single-family homes and turning instead to apartments, condos, and multi-family housing. And guess what? Most of those buildings don’t have solar on the roof. That leaves renters and condo owners stuck paying skyrocketing utility bills… at least for now.

Enter balcony solar.

What Is Balcony Solar?

The name is pretty self-explanatory: balcony solar is a small solar system that you set up on your balcony, patio, or even backyard. Instead of needing a crew of electricians, permits, and inspections, these systems are designed to be simple. You place solar panels where they’ll get sun, connect them to a compact micro inverter, and plug them right into your standard 120-volt outlet. When the sun is shining, your appliances start drawing that clean power first, reducing how much electricity you buy from the grid.

In Europe, this concept has exploded over the last few years. Tens of thousands of people have bought these kits, set them up on apartment balconies, and started producing their own power. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it gives renters a taste of energy independence that used to be exclusive to homeowners.

Some kits even come with portable batteries, allowing you to store the power you produce during the day and use it at night. Products like the Enphase IQ PowerPack or EcoFlow add-on batteries mean you’re not just producing, but also storing energy for when you need it most. Imagine your Wi-Fi router, phone chargers, and even your fridge running off solar you made yourself — all from a balcony.

Why You Haven’t Heard About It in the U.S.

Here’s the catch: balcony solar is, technically speaking, not allowed in most states. The only exception so far is Utah, which passed a groundbreaking bill to legalize what they call “portable solar generation devices.”

Under this law, Utah residents can install balcony solar systems up to 1.2 kilowatts AC. That’s enough to run some essentials in an apartment or condo. Even better, the law specifically exempts these systems from interconnection agreements, utility fees, and red tape. You buy it, set it up, plug it in, and you’re good to go.

It’s ironic, really. California — the state that loves to tout its renewable energy leadership — hasn’t taken this step yet. Utah beat them to it. And with California struggling under NEM 3.0 and some of the highest utility rates in the nation, you’d think balcony solar would be a no-brainer.

The Technology Is Already Here

Legislation might be lagging, but the tech is ready to go.

APsystems, one of the biggest names in the micro inverter space, has already announced that their EZ-1 micro inverter is launching in the U.S. This thing is a game-changer. It’s designed to be a DIY-friendly, plug-and-play micro inverter that anyone can use. Pair it with one or two solar panels, plug it into the wall, and you’re generating clean power.

The EZ-1 comes in two models:

EZ-1 M – Outputs up to 600 watts AC
EZ-1 H – Outputs up to 960 watts AC

Both models can connect two panels, are Wi-Fi enabled for easy monitoring, and are simple to set up without advanced electrical knowledge.

In Europe, APsystems is already selling bundles that include the EZ-1, two panels, and a 5 kWh battery for under $2,000. That’s a full solar + storage kit at a fraction of the cost of a rooftop installation. For comparison, even a small rooftop solar system in the U.S. can run you $10,000 to $15,000 before incentives.

And APsystems isn’t the only player. Enphase, one of the most trusted names in the solar space, announced back in May that they’re working on their own plug-and-play solution. EcoFlow has one you can buy today. Clearly, manufacturers see a massive gap in the U.S. market — one that revolves around multi-family housing and renters.

Does Balcony Solar Actually Work?

Yes, but let’s set expectations.

A balcony solar system isn’t going to zero out your utility bill or power your entire home. These systems are small, usually capped at around 1 to 1.2 kW AC. On a sunny day, that might cover your refrigerator, lights, laptops, and phone chargers. Over time, it adds up — shaving down your bill and offsetting some of your highest-cost kilowatt-hours.

Think of it as energy freedom training wheels. You’re not off-grid, but you’re starting to take control of your energy in a way that’s affordable, accessible, and easy to set up. For people in apartments or condos who never had solar as an option before, this is a big deal.

The Roadblocks Ahead

The biggest barrier to balcony solar in the U.S. isn’t technology — it’s legislation. Utilities are not exactly thrilled about millions of people plugging in their own mini power plants. They want control, and they make money when you buy electricity from them, not when you produce your own.

But change is coming. If Europe is any indication, the U.S. is just a couple years behind. As more people push lawmakers, and as products like the EZ-1 make their way stateside, it’s only a matter of time before balcony solar becomes a household name.

And let’s be real: with rooftop solar costs rising, installers under pressure, and half the industry potentially facing closures if the ITC expires, balcony solar might be one of the only affordable entry points left.

Why This Matters

Balcony solar is more than a niche gadget. It’s a glimpse into a future where energy independence isn’t just for homeowners with big roofs and big budgets. It’s for renters, condo owners, and anyone who wants a say in how they power their life.

It’s also a wake-up call for policymakers. If Utah can lead the way with common-sense legislation, there’s no reason California, New York, and other progressive states shouldn’t follow. The longer they drag their feet, the longer millions of Americans are locked out of clean energy solutions that are already proven overseas.

Final Thoughts

So, does balcony solar really work? Absolutely. It’s not perfect, and it’s not a total replacement for rooftop systems. But it’s real, it’s affordable, and it’s growing. For under $2,000, you can have a solar + storage kit that plugs into the wall and starts cutting your bill. That’s not science fiction — that’s today.

If you live in an apartment or condo, this is the first real taste of energy independence. If you’re a homeowner with some DIY spirit, it’s a chance to save money without installers or massive contracts. And if you’re a policymaker, it’s a clear signal: the people want energy freedom, and it’s time to let them have it.

Balcony solar is coming — whether utilities like it or not.

Ready to Explore Balcony Solar or DIY Energy Solutions?

I’m Dale with Renewable Innovations. My team and I offer consultations, plan designs, and engineering support for everything from DIY solar kits to full-scale energy storage systems. If you’re considering your own solar journey — whether that’s a balcony system, a DIY project, or a full home solution — we can help you do it right.

👉 Book a consultation today