A new federal bill from New Jersey could open the door to plug-in solar kits in many more states — and set up $1,000 rebates for eligible households.

That could be especially significant for renters and apartment residents, who often cannot install traditional rooftop solar panels, according to pv magazine.

Here's what to know

Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey introduced H.R. 10851, the "Socket Full of Sunshine Act," the first federal bill aimed specifically at plug-in solar, also known as balcony solar. 

The measure would require state utility commissions to audit plug-in solar rules in places where lawmakers have neither passed similar standards nor formally rejected them.

Menendez introduced the bill in response to rising household energy costs. 

Ten states have adopted plug-in solar rules, but no national framework exists yet to move the issue forward.

For households comparing these options, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. EasyHome's free explorer tool makes it easy to obtain the best pricing and savings from vetted installers in your area.

More background

Under the bill, a "portable solar generation device" would be a plug-in system limited to 1,200 watts that connects to a standard 120-volt AC outlet, consistent with the type of rules several states already use for plug-in solar.

If a system produces more than 400 watts of AC output, it would have to include a power control system. 

The equipment would also need to meet National Electrical Code requirements and be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or a similar national testing laboratory.

Because Menendez introduced the measure late in the session, lawmakers are not expected to consider it until after the pre-election recess scheduled to end in mid-November. 

That would leave only a brief window for Congress to act before the Jan. 3, 2027 deadline.

What's being done?

The proposal also directs the Department of Energy to establish a grant program offering rebates of up to $1,000 to low- or moderate-income households. 

States would have to verify income eligibility at the point of sale and prioritize renters, multifamily residents, and high-energy-burdened communities.

Only plug-in solar products made in the United States with domestic content above 55% would be eligible for the rebates. States could receive those grant funds only if their plug-in solar rules prevent landlords from blocking tenants from using the devices.

If funded at the level outlined in the proposal, the rebate program would receive $100 million in each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032, for a total of $600 million. 

For homeowners looking beyond a plug-in kit, EasyHome's free explorer tool makes reviewing solar options hassle-free and helps you find the most competitive rates and all available incentives.

EasyHome can also help you explore backup battery storage—pairing solar with a battery lets you maximize savings and keep your home powered when the grid goes down.

"Families are getting squeezed by electric bills that keep going up. Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way to cut those bills, but outdated rules and unnecessary fees are standing in the way," Menendez said. 

"The Socket Full of Sunshine Act clears those barriers so more families, including renters, can start saving."

Where can I learn more?

Plug-in solar is gaining traction as more states look for ways to make it workable for renters and apartment residents. These articles examine how states from New Jersey to California are changing the rules so more households can install panels and lower their electric bills.

• In New Jersey, regulators cleared plug-in solar for all, giving renters an easier way to trim bills.

• In Maine, lawmakers proposed giving renters the same power as homeowners to use plug-in solar.

• New laws in Maryland and Virginia let residents plug in balcony solar and cut bills.

• California lawmakers advanced a plug-in solar bill letting residents use wall outlets to lower power costs.

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