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Best balcony solar kits: what to buy now

Right now the best kit is one with UL 3700 certification for the whole kit, sized at 800 W, with a mount that fits your railing. Few kits tick every box yet, so here’s how to choose, and which names to watch.

Updated October 2026

Where the market stands (October 2026). The certification most state laws require only started this year. Certified parts arrived from July 2026; complete certified kits are still rare, and California expects compliant kits in stores by spring 2027. We haven’t tested kits ourselves yet. Rather than rank products on marketing claims, this page shows what to buy now and what to wait for. We’ll add tested picks as they arrive.

What makes a kit good

  1. Certified. UL 3700 or the equivalent your state names, for the complete kit.
  2. The right size. 800 W suits most homes. Size guide.
  3. A mount that fits. Included, rated for wind, no drilling if you rent.
  4. A clear warranty on panels and inverter, from a company with a US presence.
  5. A fair price. Most complete kits sell for $600–$1,500.

Names to know

  • Hoymiles HiFlow Pro. The first microinverter certified to UL 3700 (July 2026). 360 W per unit.
  • APsystems. Microinverter maker that has followed with UL 3700 certification, and already sells plug-in products in California.
  • Mango Power. Also certified to UL 3700 in 2026.
  • Bright Saver. A nonprofit selling small 180 W and 360 W plug-in systems, and a backer of California’s law.
  • CraftStrom. A balcony solar company selling plug-in kits in California.
  • EcoFlow STREAM and Anker SOLIX. Battery-and-solar systems many people search for. Check US availability and certification for your state before buying.

Being on this list isn’t a recommendation; it’s where to start looking. Check each product’s certification yourself.

Common questions

How much should a good kit cost?

Most complete kits sell for $600 to $1,500. Compare including the mount and shipping.

What warranty should I look for?

Separate warranties for the panels and the inverter, from a company with a US presence. Check what each covers and for how long.

Should I buy now or wait?

If your state's law requires certification and certified complete kits aren't available yet, waiting a few months is the safe choice. If you're in a state where you'd go through utility approval anyway, buy what your utility accepts.

Are cheap kits from online marketplaces OK?

Be careful. Without the certification your state requires, the law's protection doesn't cover you, and safety features like a dead plug may be missing.

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