Editor, Plugshine
Alex Rowan is the pen name of Plugshine's editor.
Alex maintains the plug-in solar law tracker — reading bill texts, legislative action histories and local reporting for all 50 states and DC — and writes and updates Plugshine's guides on plug-in solar, safety standards and electricity bills.
Plugshine is independent: no paid rankings, no installer leads, no sponsored content. Read the full methodology.
What an 800 W balcony solar kit can actually run: real output by hour and season, which appliances it covers, how many kWh it makes per day, and why 'running' an appliance isn't the right way to think about it.
UL 3700 is the first US safety standard written for plug-in solar. What it tests, how it differs from UL 1741, which products are certified, and whether your state's law requires it.
Every plug-in solar microinverter and system announced as UL 3700 certified in the US, plus the popular products still waiting — with certifying lab, date, key specs and price. Updated monthly.
How time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates work, which utilities use them, how to read your peak hours, and practical ways — including solar facing west and small batteries — to pay less under TOU.
Grid-tied plug-in solar lowers your bill every day; a solar generator gives you backup power anywhere. How they differ in cost, savings, legality, backup and convenience — and when to get both.
What happens at your electric meter when a balcony solar kit produces more than you use: analog vs. smart meters, why exported power isn't credited, and how to avoid paying for power you gave away.