This Free Tool Calculates Exactly How Much Plug-In Solar Saves On Your Electric Bill

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Plug-in solar panels are simple, convenient, and transportable machines that connect to a home's outlet, converting the energy into electricity for appliances. They include an inverter box and a battery that, when plugged in, provide power to connected devices. Whatever you have hooked up -– like these 7 devices you can power with portable solar panels -– will receive electricity from the solar panel using this energy first before using grid power.

Bright Saver — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable and portable plug-in solar energy — has created a free savings calculator tool to show users how much money plug-in solar panels can save them annually. To calculate your savings, first enter your zip code for an automated rate search or enter your current electricity rate in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and then choose an option for your expected electricity price growth, which ranges from a conservative 4% increase to a "worst case" 15% increase. The calculator then shows savings in the first year, annual savings, and money saved over a 20-year period. With the average U.S. electricity rate close to 18 cents per kWh and a current 7% annual growth trend (according to Bright Saver), the site's savings calculator shows a total 20-year savings of up to $8,560.

Plug-in solar systems are a DIY method to get solar-powered electricity to your home, garage, or campsite. They've been implemented in Europe, and the devices are coming to the US as a far less expensive alternative to roof-mounted solar panels, which may set you back tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, they don't have to be professionally installed as they just plug right into a wall outlet.

It takes years for solar panels to pay for themselves, but the savings calculator on Bright Saver suggests that these portable, lower-cost solar panels — ranging from $499 for a single panel to $699 for two panels — can return savings in just the first year. Not only does a plug-in system have the potential to slash your electricity payment by hundreds of dollars each year, but they can also provide a sense of relief in case of a power outage. They're a backup plan that can improve your quality of life, so you're not left in the dark, your food in the fridge doesn't go bad, or your devices don't die.

Plug-in solar panels can be purchased at a number of places such as Amazon and Bright Saver. Amazon offers this Plug and Play Solar Panel Power with 800-Watt Solar Panels and 800-Watt Inverter for $1,395, which connects directly into a wall outlet, transferring the energy into electricity for your home. Bright Saver features its 180-watt plug-in balcony solar kit starting at $499 that also connects to a wall socket and easily attaches to a balcony railing.

If you're thinking about installing solar panels like a plug-in device, you'll need to make sure they are legal to use in your state before making the investment. In addition to its savings calculator, Bright Saver also provides a legislation tracker to make this easier, but you can also check other resources such as Solar United Neighbors Action to see which states have passed laws regarding plug-in solar panels. They're a less expensive option over rooftop panels and can potentially help users save some money in their utility bills.