Temporary Portable Solar Units, aka Plug-In Solar or Plug-and-Play Temporary Solar

The purpose of this document is to provide general guidance on temporary, portable solar photovoltaic (PV) units. These units are often referred to as “plug-in solar,” “plug-and-play,” or “balcony solar,” and they are typically residential installations. 

Portable PV units are currently being prepared for the U.S. market, though safety, structural, and electrical considerations need to be addressed. (For more information, see UL’s white paper “Safety Considerations for Plug-In Photovoltaic (PIPV) Systems.”)Testing is underway for product certification to ensure compliance of portable PV units with the governing electrical code. A new safety standard, UL 3700, has also been developed specific to this technology. The codes and standards will continue to be updated, and the determination of precisely what is needed and how the rules should be applied will continue to evolve and improve. SEAC encourages the use of only certified systems, not pieces and parts, in accordance with the system listing and manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure fire and life safety.