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What if you could start producing solar energy without financing a $30,000 rooftop system, permanently modifying your home or waiting months for a traditional installation?

In this episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, host Emmitt Muckles sits down with Teddy Hodges of APsystems to explore the EZ1 plug-in microinverter—an affordable, portable solar solution designed to make clean energy more accessible to homeowners, renters, apartment residents and DIY enthusiasts.

Emmitt shares his firsthand experience building a basic wooden rack, connecting two solar modules and watching his system begin producing approximately 500 watts. The entire setup took only a couple of hours, including constructing the temporary frame.

But let’s keep it real: plug-in solar is not intended to take an entire home to net zero. Its purpose is to reduce the electricity consumed by everyday loads such as televisions, computers, lights, internet equipment and other appliances that quietly draw power throughout the day. Depending on system size, sunlight, electricity rates and consumption, those savings could become meaningful over time.

Teddy explains how the EZ1 brings technology already familiar in parts of Europe into the growing American plug-in and balcony-solar market. The system connects to two solar panels, plugs into a standard outlet and includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth monitoring through the AP EasyPower app.

The conversation also tackles one of plug-in solar’s biggest challenges: unwanted electricity flowing back to the utility grid. Teddy introduces the APmeter, which monitors household electricity usage and automatically adjusts EZ1 production to help limit export. This could be especially valuable for customers who do not have a net-metering or interconnection agreement.

Emmitt and Teddy also discuss:

•  Who can realistically benefit from plug-in solar 
•  Why renters have largely been excluded from conventional solar 
•  How much electricity a small system may produce 
•  The importance of sunlight, panel orientation and avoiding shade 
•  Balcony, backyard, garage and ground-mounted applications 
•  When a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit may be appropriate 
•  Why electrical-panel work should be performed by a qualified professional 
•  How smart utility meters detect electricity flowing back to the grid 
•  Opportunities for solar contractors to serve customers who cannot afford full-sized systems 
•  How small systems may help retirees and households living on fixed incomes 
•  Potential solar businesses for young entrepreneurs 
•  Using plug-in solar as the first step in a customer’s larger energy journey 
•  APsystems’ plans for battery storage that could support essential equipment during short outages 

This episode challenges the solar industry’s obsession with selling the biggest possible system. Instead, Emmitt and Teddy make the case for meeting customers where they are, solving immediate energy problems and helping people start small.

Plug-in solar will not eliminate everyone’s power bill. But it could give millions of people their first practical experience producing their own electricity—and that’s a pretty serious market disruption.

Learn more about the APsystems EZ1 and the APmeter zero-export solution.

Discount: Use code: COACHEMMITT for 10% off eligible EZ1 and APmeter purchases.

Requirements for plug-in solar vary by state, utility and local jurisdiction. Always follow applicable electrical codes, manufacturer instructions and interconnection requirements. Consult a qualified electrician before opening or installing equipment inside an electrical panel.

The sun never sends a bill.

Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting
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