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The short version
- Very little hardware holds UL 3700 today. The standard's certification program launched in January 2026, and testing takes months. APsystems says its EZ1-LV microinverter is certified to UL 3700; most other kits rely on UL 1741 component listings.
- Buy by your state's tier, not by the marketing. If your state requires UL 3700 above a threshold (Colorado above 391 W, for example), a sub-threshold kit or a verified UL 3700 product is the only clean option.
- Verify on the certifier's database. A UL or CSA mark on a product photo is not proof.
"Best UL 3700 plug-in solar kits" is the search everyone is running in 2026, and it has an awkward answer: the certified shelf is nearly empty. UL 3700, the Outline of Investigation for plug-in photovoltaic equipment and systems, was published at the end of 2025, and UL Solutions opened its certification program in January 2026. Manufacturers then had to submit products, run the test program and wait for results. By late summer, independent trackers could confirm only a handful of certifications, led by APsystems' EZ1-LV microinverter.
So rather than pretend there are ten certified kits to rank, this guide does three things: shows you what's genuinely certified, ranks the best options for each state tier while the market catches up, and teaches you how to verify a listing yourself so you're not relying on anyone's product page (including ours).
What UL 3700 certification actually covers
UL 3700 evaluates the plug-in system as it is sold and connected, not just the inverter in isolation. The requirements that matter most for buyers:
- Dead plug on unplug. The exposed prongs must de-energize within about one second after you pull the plug. That's the biggest safety gap older microinverters didn't address.
- Anti-islanding. The system has to stop exporting when the grid goes down, building on the UL 1741 SB baseline.
- Overload and reverse-current protection for the branch circuit.
- Safe installation guidance so a typical homeowner doesn't create a hazard while mounting and connecting it.
We go deeper in UL 3700 explained. For shopping, the key takeaway is that UL 1741 alone proves grid behavior; UL 3700 proves plug-in behavior.
How we picked
We didn't test these kits hands-on and we don't publish invented scores. Picks are based on the manufacturer's stated certification, publicly available specifications, US availability, and how well each option fits the legal tiers states have actually written. Price is shown as a tier because plug-in solar pricing is moving fast and changes weekly.
The picks
APsystems EZ1-series microinverter kits
$$Best for: Buyers who want the most verifiable UL 3700 path right now
APsystems states that its EZ1-LV microinverter is certified to UL 3700, and it has been sold into Maine and select markets since early 2026. It accepts two panels and builds the dead-plug requirement into hardware. Several US kit sellers bundle it with a pair of residential panels and a plug-in cable. Confirm the exact model suffix on the certification listing, because related EZ1 variants are not automatically covered.
Strengths
- Manufacturer-stated UL 3700 certification
- Two-panel input suits 600 to 800 W systems
- App monitoring for production
Trade-offs
- Kit contents vary by seller; check what's included
- Availability can be state-limited
Single-panel starter kit under 391 W
$Best for: Colorado and Maryland buyers who want to plug in today
In Colorado and Maryland, devices at 391 watts or less are exempt from the certification requirement, and Maine's simplified tier runs to 420 watts. A single 350 to 390 W panel with a UL 1741-listed microinverter fits those tiers without waiting for UL 3700 inventory. We still recommend listed equipment even where the law doesn't require it.
Strengths
- Fits the no-certification tiers in CO and MD
- Easy to mount on a railing
- Lowest cost of entry
Trade-offs
- Small output limits savings
- Confirm the AC rating, not just the panel's DC rating
Two-panel kit with UL 1741 SB microinverter
$$Best for: States that accept NRTL listing without naming UL 3700
Utah's law, for example, asks for UL or equivalent certification and predates UL 3700. A two-panel kit (roughly 600 to 900 W) built around a UL 1741 SB-listed microinverter is the mainstream choice in those states. Ask the seller directly whether a UL 3700 submission is in progress; the good ones will tell you.
Strengths
- Widest selection
- Good output per outlet
- Mature microinverter platforms
Trade-offs
- Doesn't satisfy states or tiers that name UL 3700
- No dead-plug guarantee unless documented
EcoFlow STREAM microinverter setups
$$Best for: Buyers who may add storage later
EcoFlow launched its STREAM plug-and-play line in the US starting in Utah. The STREAM microinverter takes two panel inputs, plugs into a standard household outlet, and can pair with EcoFlow's STREAM storage units. Availability is rolling out state by state, and you should verify the current certification listing for the exact US SKU before buying.
Strengths
- Upgrade path to storage
- Polished app
- Designed for apartments and condos
Trade-offs
- State-by-state availability
- Ecosystem lock-in
Bifacial panel pair for DIY kits
$$Best for: Builders assembling their own system
If you're sourcing parts yourself, a pair of bifacial panels on a light-colored patio or balcony floor can add useful rear-side output. Pair them with a certified microinverter and a proper outdoor cable; see our kit vs DIY microinverter comparison before going this route.
Strengths
- Extra rear-side gain on reflective surfaces
- Swap parts as certifications arrive
Trade-offs
- You own the compliance homework
- Panels are heavy for railings
Match the kit to your state's tier
| Your situation | Safest pick today |
|---|---|
| Colorado, want to plug in now | Single panel under 391 W |
| Colorado, want up to 1,920 W | Wait for verified UL 3700 hardware, plus an electrician for wiring changes |
| Maryland | Under 391 W, or a UL/NRTL-certified system up to 1,200 W with utility notification |
| Maine | 420 W simplified tier, or UL 3700 hardware for larger systems |
| Utah, Virginia, Vermont | Two-panel UL/NRTL-listed kit up to 1,200 W |
| New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire | Buy now, connect once the law is in effect in your area |
| No state law | Ask your utility first, or use a portable power station instead |
Full details and dates are in our plug-in solar laws by state guide.
How to verify a UL 3700 (or UL 1741) listing yourself
- Get the exact model number from the seller, including suffixes.
- Identify the certifier. UL, CSA, Intertek (ETL) and TÜV are all NRTLs. The mark tells you whose database to search.
- Search the certifier's public directory (UL Product iQ for UL listings). The listing should name the standard, the model, and the scope.
- Check the scope. A listing for the microinverter alone doesn't certify the whole kit, and UL 1741 is not UL 3700.
- Save a screenshot with the date. If your utility or landlord ever asks, you have it.
"UL compliant," "meets UL standards," or "UL pending" are not certifications. Neither is a UL logo on a photo with no model-specific listing. "CE" marks are European and mean nothing for US plug-in laws.
What to look for beyond certification
- AC output rating. Laws cap AC output, not panel DC wattage. A kit with 900 W of panels behind an 800 W microinverter is an 800 W system.
- Cable length and plug type. Plan the route from panels to outlet without extension cords.
- Mounting hardware. Railing hooks, ground stands and wall brackets change the job entirely. Check wind ratings.
- Monitoring. You'll want production data to prove savings; see our energy monitor roundup.
- Warranty and US support. Several balcony brands are Europe-first; make sure there's a US warranty on the SKU you're buying.
- Upgrade path. If storage matters, check which plug-in batteries are compatible.
Should you wait?
If your state names UL 3700 for the size you want, waiting a few months is reasonable; trackers expect more certifications in late 2026. If you're in a state that accepts UL or NRTL listing generally, a well-documented UL 1741 SB kit is a sensible buy today, and a sub-391 W system is a low-regret way to start almost anywhere with a law.
Not sure whether the math works for your home? Run through is plug-in solar worth it before buying.
For storage and off-grid systems we also track Bluetti power stations and Renogy panels, charge controllers and batteries direct from the brands.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any UL 3700 certified plug-in solar kits?
Very few as of September 2026. APsystems states its EZ1-LV microinverter is certified to UL 3700, and more manufacturers are in testing. Always confirm on the certifier's public database.
Is UL 1741 good enough for plug-in solar?
It depends on your state. UL 1741 proves grid-interactive inverter safety, and some laws accept UL or NRTL listing generally. States or tiers that name UL 3700 require the newer plug-in standard.
What size plug-in solar kit should I buy?
Stay within your state's cap (usually 1,200 W AC) and size to your daytime baseline load, since excess output isn't credited. Many homes do well with 400 to 800 W.
Can I use a plug-in kit without certification in Colorado?
Only at 391 watts or less, which is exempt from the certification requirement. Above that, Colorado requires UL 3700 and an electrician for wiring modifications.
Do plug-in solar kits come with batteries?
Most don't. Storage is sold separately, and US rules for plug-in batteries are less settled than for panels.