Everything you need to know about plug-in balcony solar in Pennsylvania: legal status, tracked bills, statutory wattage limits, utility interconnection rules, and expected monthly solar production.
Current Disposition: Balcony solar bill pending
Pennsylvania House Bill 1971 would define portable solar generation systems up to 1,200 watts that connect through a standard outlet and exempt qualifying systems from utility interconnection applications and related fees. It was referred to House Energy on October 28, 2025 and remains pending.
Latest Action: October 28, 2025
How much electricity will a standard plug-in solar kit produce on a balcony or patio in Pennsylvania? Below are monthly estimates based on local insolation levels:
| Month | Daily Peak Sun Hours | 400W Kit (1 Panel) | 800W Kit (2 Panels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.9 hrs | 31 kWh | 62 kWh |
| Feb | 3.7 hrs | 36 kWh | 71 kWh |
| Mar | 4.4 hrs | 47 kWh | 94 kWh |
| Apr | 4.9 hrs | 51 kWh | 101 kWh |
| May | 5.2 hrs | 55 kWh | 111 kWh |
| Jun | 5.5 hrs | 57 kWh | 114 kWh |
| Jul | 5.5 hrs | 59 kWh | 117 kWh |
| Aug | 5.3 hrs | 57 kWh | 113 kWh |
| Sep | 4.8 hrs | 50 kWh | 99 kWh |
| Oct | 4.1 hrs | 44 kWh | 87 kWh |
| Nov | 2.8 hrs | 29 kWh | 58 kWh |
| Dec | 2.3 hrs | 25 kWh | 49 kWh |
| Annual Total | -- | ~541 kWh | ~1076 kWh |
Estimates derived from historical National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL NSRDB) solar radiation averages across weather stations in Pennsylvania, modeling an 86% system performance ratio.
Customize system orientation, local utility electric rates, and shade factors with our interactive simulator.
Open Solar Savings Simulator for Pennsylvania →While balcony solar kits are designed for plug-in operation, municipal permitting processes indicate solar-friendly administrative environments: