First UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter hits US market

A new plug-in solar microinverter, the first to meet UL 3700 safety standards, has been launched in the United States. The device, called the BalkonSolar 800, is designed for easy installation without professional help, allowing renters and homeowners alike to generate solar power by simply plugging it into a standard wall outlet.

The product is intended for use with small solar panels, typically mounted on balconies or in yards, and can feed electricity directly into a home's electrical system. This makes solar energy more accessible to people who cannot install rooftop panels, such as apartment dwellers or those with unsuitable roofs.

The UL 3700 certification is significant because it addresses safety concerns related to plug-in solar devices, including the risk of backfeeding electricity into the grid during a power outage. By meeting this standard, the BalkonSolar 800 can be used safely in the US, where such devices were previously not widely available due to regulatory hurdles.

The manufacturer, BalkonSolar, began shipping the units in late February 2025. The system includes a microinverter and a cable with a standard NEMA 5-15 plug, and it is compatible with solar panels up to 800 watts. The company states that the device can offset a portion of a household's electricity usage, potentially saving users money on their utility bills.

This launch follows years of development and testing to comply with UL 3700, which was established in 2021 to create a safety standard for plug-in solar equipment. Previously, only hardwired systems were common in the US market.

Looking ahead, the availability of UL 3700-compliant plug-in microinverters could encourage wider adoption of small-scale solar. Other manufacturers are expected to follow with similar products, potentially expanding the market for renter-friendly solar solutions. However, users must still check local building codes and utility regulations before installation, as some areas may have restrictions on plug-in solar systems.