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- The US market is young: few kits are fully UL 3700 certified, and availability varies by state.
- For most US buyers, the choice is between small certified kits (Bright Saver), modular value kits (Craftstrom) and storage-ready ecosystems (EcoFlow, Anker SOLIX).
- In the UK and Europe, choose a kit that meets local rules first (800 W, correct certification), then compare price and warranty.
- Skip anything without clear certification, a named microinverter brand and a warranty of at least 10 years on the inverter.
Choosing a kit in 2026 is less about finding the “best” panel and more about finding a product that is legal where you live, safe on your circuit and actually in stock. Here is our shortlist and the reasoning behind it.
In this article
How we chose
We compared kits on published specifications, certification status, price per watt, warranties, app features, availability by region and owner feedback. We have not yet run long-term, hands-on tests of every kit on this list; where we cite performance, it comes from manufacturer data or independent reviews. We will add our own measured results as testing is completed. See our editorial policy.
Quick comparison (US)
| Kit | Sizes | Price (approx.) | UL 3700 | Battery option | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Saver balcony kit | 180 W, 360 W | $285-499 | Uses a UL 3700 microinverter | No | Small, low-risk start |
| Craftstrom | 200-1,600 W modular | ~$1.60/W | Application filed | No | Value, expandability |
| EcoFlow (PowerStream / STREAM) | 600-800 W + batteries | ~$1.60/W; batteries extra | In progress (STREAM) | Yes | Storage and app ecosystem |
| Anker SOLIX balcony system | 600-800 W + Solarbank | Varies; limited US stock | Not confirmed for US | Yes | Europe; watch for US launch |
Prices and certification status as reported in September 2026. Check the product page before buying; this market changes monthly.
Best small kit: Bright Saver
Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit (180 W / 360 W)
Bright Saver is a nonprofit that has pushed for plug-in laws and sells deliberately small kits built around a Hoymiles HiFlow microinverter reported as the first to achieve UL 3700 certification. The panels are glass-free and weigh about 11 lb each, which makes them easy to mount on a railing, fence or wall. Pricing in 2026 was about $285 (180 W) and $414 (360 W) for members, $499 without membership.
- Certified microinverter
- Light, easy to mount
- 360 W stays within the lightest legal tiers
- 12-year inverter warranty
- Small output
- Higher cost per watt
- Not available in some states pending whole-system certification
Best value: Craftstrom
Craftstrom modular kits
Craftstrom sells modular kits from 200 W to 1,600 W with bifacial panels at around $1.60 per watt, one of the lowest prices in the US market. It has a large user base, but its warranty is shorter (reported at 5 years) and support is mostly self-service. UL 3700 certification had been applied for as of September 2026.
- Low cost per watt
- Expandable
- Bifacial panels
- Shorter warranty
- Basic app
- Certification pending
Best for adding storage: EcoFlow
EcoFlow PowerStream and STREAM
EcoFlow’s approach centers on its app and batteries. PowerStream pairs a 600-800 W microinverter with a DELTA power station, so the same battery can feed your home and act as backup during an outage. The newer STREAM range integrates battery and inverter and is mostly sold in Europe and the UK; US availability of the full system has been limited, and UL 3700 certification was in progress.
Worth watching: Anker SOLIX
Anker’s balcony systems and Solarbank batteries are among the most popular in Europe, with a polished app and high-efficiency panels. In the US, the full balcony system has appeared only intermittently. Read our Anker SOLIX review for details.
UK and Europe
If you live in Great Britain, see best plug-in solar kits in the UK. In Germany and neighboring countries, the market is mature: any kit with an 800 W inverter certified to local grid rules, a 10-year-plus inverter warranty and panels from an established manufacturer is a reasonable choice.
Red flags
- No named microinverter brand or model.
- “Designed to meet” UL standards without a certificate number.
- Inverter output above your legal limit with no way to cap it.
- A plug that is not the standard type for your country, or instructions to use an adapter.
- Inverter warranty under 10 years.
- Savings claims based on 100% self-consumption and perfect orientation.
Before you buy
- Confirm it is legal to connect where you live: law tracker.
- Estimate your savings: calculator.
- Plan your mount: no-drill options.