A national bill proposing the legalization of plug-in solar was proposed in the House of Representatives on Oct. 19.
Since late 2025, legislative bodies have been passing bills permitting the consumer-level use of these portable solar generation devices within particular states. HR 10851, also known as the “Socket Full of Sunshine Act,” is the first bill to be drafted supporting nationwide use of plug-in solar products.
Unlike interconnected solar projects, which require permits for construction, plug-in solar setups use one or more solar modules connected to a microinverter that literally plugs into an AC outlet. Rep. Rob Menendez, a Democrat congressman from New Jersey, authored the bill.
“Families are getting squeezed by electric bills that keep going up,” Menendez said in a press release. “Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way to cut those bills, but outdated rules and unnecessary fees are standing in the way.”
Socket Full of Sunshine proposes removing any interconnection barriers for portable solar systems; and system owners would not be required to obtain utility approval to use them or incur any insurance or operating fees. If enacted, this would apply to plug-in solar systems with a power rating of 1.2 kW or lower.
This legislation would amend a section of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), a historic bill that made utilties reponsible for purchasing energy from alternative sources, like wind and solar. Through it, Socket Full of Sunshine would require state utility regulators to initiate preparations for plug-in solar within one year of passage, and establish a standard for it within two years.
The bill would also create a Dept. of Energy grant program for states to issue rebates to low-to-middle-income residents for purchasing plug-in solar systems. Those rebates would not exceed $1,000 and would only be eligible if 55% of the components purchased originate from the United States.
Menendez specifically cites protecting renters’ rights to using this technology, a segment of the population that is often excluded from traditional solar projects. A landlord could not prevent a tenant from purchasing and using a plug-in solar system if this legislation passed, with some exceptions in regards to spacing limitations.
Socket Full of Sunshine through the Environmental Protection Agency would also create a standard for estimating how much a plug-in solar system would save consumers and would establish consumer safety standards for these products.
“As America works to rebuild its domestic solar manufacturing industry, we need to make sure growing demand for solar energy also supports the workers and companies making these products here at home,” said Mike Carr, executive director of the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America Coalition, in a press release. “The Socket Full of Sunshine Act recognizes that expanding access to affordable solar energy and supporting American manufacturing should go hand in hand. By prioritizing American-made products and tying federal rebates to domestic manufacturing and content requirements, this legislation can help create new demand for U.S.-made solar products and strengthen our domestic supply chains.
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