Kits, panels, mounting, and hardware worth buying — updated as the market develops.
Whether you buy a bundled kit or source your own, every plug-in solar setup has the same four pieces — plus an optional battery if you want storage.
Smaller panels (100–200W) are easier to handle, ship, and mount. Larger 400W panels generate more power per unit. Mix and match based on your available space.
Converts DC power from your panels into AC electricity your home can use. The APsystems EZ1 is the most widely used model in the world. Look for UL 1741 certification and built-in WiFi monitoring.
Connect your panels to the microinverter. Pre-terminated with MC4 connectors — no splicing required. Rated for outdoor UV exposure. Usually included with bundled kits.
Connects the microinverter output to your wall outlet. Uses a safety plug design with a physical interlock that prevents shock risk when unplugged. Required by law in several states.
Lets you store solar energy and use it at night, during outages, or during peak-rate TOU hours. Standard plug-in solar shuts off when the grid goes down — battery units keep running. The EcoFlow STREAM Ultra is currently the most complete option available.
The honest answer: it depends a lot on where you buy and when.
Panel prices are the most volatile input. New 400W panels currently run $150–$200+; secondhand bifacial panels can be found for less on OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace.
Two approaches, each with real tradeoffs.
Grouped by what you need: complete systems, panels, or hardware.
The most widely used plug-in solar microinverter in the world, now available in the US. The EZ1 is purpose-built for balcony and plug-in solar. Connect your panels, plug into a standard outlet, and start generating. UL 1741 certified, 900W capacity, built-in WiFi monitoring for real-time output tracking, and backed by a 12-year warranty. Add panels and you're ready to go.
Shop APsystems Direct →SF-based nonprofit focused on clean energy access. California-focused, with 250W and 400W configurations. Worth exploring if you're in the Los Angeles or Bay Area.
See Bright Saver →Unlike a standard plug-in kit, the STREAM Ultra integrates a microinverter with a 1.92kWh LFP battery in one unit. Just connect your panels and plug in — it charges during the day, powers your home through two dedicated outlets, and keeps running when the grid goes down. Scales up to 11.52kWh.
⚠ Starting at $1,199 · Currently ships to Utah only
See EcoFlow STREAM Ultra →Good starting point for a first install. The 200W listing offers multiple wattage options in one place. Renogy is the most established US solar brand with real customer support. Works with the APsystems EZ1 out of the box.
Shop on Amazon →One of the most-reviewed 100W panels on Amazon. Available individually or as a 4-pack — flexible for a starter build or scaling up. ECO-WORTHY is a well-established budget-friendly brand for small-scale solar.
Shop on Amazon →640W total from two rigid panels. Good option for a higher-output setup or if you have the space. Pairs well with the EZ1 or a larger inverter. Ships free via Amazon.
Shop on Amazon →Fits panels from 180W–400W. Aluminum alloy with foldable tilt legs — works flat on a roof, angled on the ground, or on a garage slab. Click through for Z-brackets, single-panel tilt brackets, and multi-angle options in one listing.
Shop on Amazon →Adjustable aluminum ground mount system for larger arrays. Supports multiple panels side by side at a fixed tilt angle. Good for backyard or side-yard installs where you want a permanent-ish setup without roof penetration.
Shop on Amazon →6×195W monocrystalline panels bundled with a dual-axis solar tracking mount, currently $1,199. The tracker continuously angles panels toward the sun for ~39% more output than a fixed mount. Requires roughly 9×9 ft of ground space. Inverter sold separately.
Shop on Amazon →Some links above are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.