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Best Plug-In Solar System Reviews for 2022

Psst! Switching your bank can help fight climate change!


January 10, 2022

Even in times without a global pandemic ravaging through different countries, saving cost on utility and reducing your household carbon footprint isn't something many of us would turn down. Not only are solar panels efficient and cost-effective, the installation for plug and play models allows you to get set up instantly.

For beginners just dipping their toes into solar power or for veterans looking for alternative choices, we have compiled the top three best plug and play solar panels on the market today.

What is a Grid-Tied, Plug and Play Solar Kit?

Plug and play solar kits are a great entry product for creating your own energy and generating your own power. Similar to the more permanent rooftop solutions, the plug and play options give you more freedom of placement. We understand that many people are renting in the housing market and can't afford their own homes. This unfortunate circumstance also limits the possibility of installing the rooftop panels.

However, the plug and play solar kits are the perfect solution to this problem. Just like a portable heater or fan, you can simply uninstall by unplugging the system if you move. It's a temporary solution that can cut down utility costs and put more money back in your pocket.

Another major benefit to plug and play designs as opposed to the traditional options is the installation cost. It may take a professional to come and put the panels on the roof. Depending on how busy the company is, it could take a while to get someone out to your home. With these plug and play kits, you cut out the installation process and go from unboxing to enjoying self-created electricity in a matter of minutes.

Benefits to Using Solar Power

The sun is ever-present, so why not take advantage of that? Using solar energy can reduce your electric bills, and solar panels are quite low maintenance in the long run. Solar energy is renewable and allows for diverse applications of your solar kit. You can reduce the carbon emissions of your household and do your part for the environment.

Yes, the initial costs for traditional and plug and play solar panel designs can be high. However, over time, these products more than pay for themselves. You can also take comfort in knowing that you own a part of your own energy.

Our Top Pick: Sunboxlabs Plug-in Solar Kit




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Our first and top pick is from Sunboxlabs. Aside from their excellent customer service, their product is reliable, efficient and versatile. Believe it or not, with a plug-in solar kit from Sunboxlabs, you can reduce the emissions in your home up to a third!

Let's take a quick view of all the benefits this solar kit can offer.

First of all, you reduce emissions, which means more money saved each month. The installation is incredibly simple as it's literally a plug and play design. This means the solar panel is easily portable, which is an exceptional choice for renters looking for a less permanent option. You can also keep any eye on the energy production with the app.

Just how much can you save each year? If used on a south-facing roof in the sunny state of California, you can rack up around $73 dollars worth of energy savings each year.

Installation of permanent solar panels on your roof comes with a ton of hurdles. For the Sunboxlabs Plug-in solar kit, you won't need any permits, they are easily portable and because of the placement flexibility, the solar kit is multi-purpose. You can place it on your balcony, in your backyard on your roof, and anywhere else that suits you.

Why choose a plug in solar kit? It will get your foot in the door to creating your own energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and do your part for the environment, and most of all, it's easy to implement. Rental properties can benefit from this and you can save costs in the long run.

Pros

  • Renter friendly
  • Generate your own energy with these solar kits
  • Plug and play installation
  • Saves you money
  • Placement flexibility
  • Free shipping in the US
  • No permits necessary
  • Monitor progress on the app

Why We Like It

All the benefits aside, Sunboxlabs has excellent customer service and buyer's protection with a refund policy, return policy and warranty on the product.

2. Plugged Solar Plug and Play Solar Panel




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This particular solar panel from Plugged Solar produces 320W but comes with a 640 watt inverter so you can connect two sets together (4 panels) to produce the max 640 watts. On average these solar panels can generate 600K kWh annually. What does that equate to in terms of savings? Depending on where you live, that can save you 10% of your electric bills.

It's super easy to use and install and shouldn't take more than an hour. There is no wiring, no batteries, just a simple plug-and play design. The solar panel kit is also eligible for the same 26% federal tax credit.

What do you get with this carbon footprint reducing solar kit? Aside from the panels, you get the micro-inverter and 50 feet of wire. You can hook up a maximum of 6 systems with one plug.

Due to the highly portable design, you can place these panels almost anywhere with access to an outlet. Once you move houses, you can easily take the panels with you. You need no one's permission for installation and it synchronizes seamlessly with your home grid to reduce power.

It's easy to track the progress of the power generation with the meter. Once you plug in the necessary components, you should allow the panels about 6 minutes or so to power up.

Pros

  • Portability
  • Synchronizes with your home grid
  • Easy to install
  • Comes with a 50ft long wire
  • Reduces your carbon footprint
  • Eligible for 26% federal tax credit
  • Can handle up to 6 systems with one plug
  • Can expand to 640W if you connect 2 sets (4 panels)
  • Electrical monitor

Why We Like It

We like how the micro-inverter complies with code UL 1741 certified by ETL so you know it's safe to use.

3. Plug and Play Solar Premium 600W Grid Tied Roof Home Solar Kit




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Before you skip over this product because of the higher price tag, we will preface this by saying this new solar kit comes with two solar panels and one 600W micro inverter.

Of course, as another plug and play design, this one is also very easy to install and won't take more than 30 minutes to get up and running. With more permanent solutions to power saving that can add to your costs due to professional installation, this premium solar kit is as easy as it can get to integrate into your home system.

Again, moving is of no issue with this type of solar kit. Keep in mind that the connection outlet should be on its own amp breaker.

How much electricity does this panel produce per day? The answer is about 1 kWh. You can equate this amount to an energy efficient refrigerator. Of course, this is just an approximation as where you live, which direction your unit is facing and the weather forecast are all contributing factors as well.

For installation purposes, the Plug and Play Solar Premium Kit comes with Z brackets for roof mounting.

The lead kit that comes with your purchase has a convenient energy monitor built-in where you can view the progress of the system anywhere in real time. It also displays the offset of the CO2 and your calculated savings.

The cord included is 25 inches long, which should give you enough leeway to place anywhere. You can connect up to 5 units with the same lead and the same breaker, extending the convenience factor further.

The entire kit comes with everything you need including the mounting kit to get set up in just a few minutes. Also, the system is eligible for a 26% federal tax credit!

Pros

  • Comes with everything you need in the package
  • Includes 2 solar panels and the lead
  • Built-in energy monitor
  • Eligible for a 26% federal tax credit
  • Produces around 1 kWh per day
  • Long cord for flexible placement
  • Portable
  • Easy to use and install
  • Can connect up to 5 units on the same breaker
  • Some components have extended warranties

Why We Like It

We like how you get 2 solar panels and the lead that comes with a handy energy monitor. It goes further to save you money by being eligible for a 26% federal tax credit.

Conclusion

There are undisputable benefits to having solar power. Not only is it cost-saving and a greener option, some products are eligible for a tax credit. We know that the plug and play solar panels boast of convenience, but best of all, harnessing the sun's energy is free! You can access the sun anywhere, even on cloudy days but just with less efficiency. Over time, the money you save will pay for the initial costs of the solar panels and more!