When Rupert Mayer and Kevin Chou met, a simple question sparked what would soon become a mission-driven nonprofit: Why doesn’t balcony solar exist in the U.S.?

By January 2025, they launched Bright Saver, aiming to make solar power more affordable and accessible to a broader share of Americans. Inspired by Europe’s booming “balcony solar” market — where systems are inexpensive, easy to install and often sold right off supermarket shelves — they saw an opportunity to reimagine small-scale solar for U.S. homes.

In Germany, these compact solar kits can be plugged directly into standard outlets, without permits or utility interconnection agreements. For the first time, recent legislation in Utah has opened a similar pathway in the U.S., allowing systems up to 1.2 kW AC to connect via a standard wall outlet provided they meet basic safety standards. A staffer from Utah state Representative Raymond P. Ward’s office even consulted Bright Saver during the drafting process, which led to them incorporating relevant UL and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

“The irony is that people think America is freer when it comes to business and innovation,” said Mayer, who has a background in mechanical engineering, software, and residential battery systems. “But in reality, you cross from one town to the next, and everything changes—state laws, federal rules, local permitting. It’s a jungle.”

Now the company is bringing that to California. In April, Bright Saver sought – and found – 50 early adopters to test its $29-per-month system in the greater San Francisco area. Their current offering is $34.90 a month.