Plug-In Solar Is Here: Cut Your Electric Bill with the APsystems EZ1

What if getting started with solar didn’t require a rooftop installation, a massive loan, or a $30,000 system? In this episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, Emmitt Muckles talks with Teddy Hodges of APsystems about the EZ1 plug-in microinverter—a portable solar solution designed for renters, homeowners, apartment residents, DIYers, and anyone who wants to reduce everyday electricity consumption. Emmitt shares his hands-on experience building a simple two-panel system and watching it produce approximately 500 watts. Teddy explains how the EZ1 works, what it can realistically offset, why a dedicated GFCI circuit is best practice, and how the new APmeter can limit unwanted electricity export to the utility grid. They also explore the massive business opportunity for solar contractors, the potential impact on households with fixed incomes, and an upcoming battery solution that could bring basic backup power to plug-in solar. This is not whole-home solar—and that’s exactly the point. It’s an affordable first step into energy independence. In this episode: How plug-in and balcony solar work Who the APsystems EZ1 is designed for What a small system can realistically offset APmeter zero-export control Installation, mounting and electrical considerations Opportunities for contractors and young entrepreneurs The future of plug-in solar with battery storage 🔗 Learn more about the APsystems EZ1 🔗 Explore 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 jurisdiction. Follow local electrical codes, product instructions and interconnection requirements. Work inside an electrical panel should be handled by a qualified professional. The sun never sends a bill. #PlugInSolar #BalconySolar #DIYsolar #APsystems #EZ1 #Microinverter #SolarEnergy #EnergyIndependence #WattsUpSolar 00:00 Meet Teddy Hodges of APsystems 01:23 Why plug-in solar matters 02:03 Bringing balcony solar from Europe to America 02:41 Emmitt builds and tests his EZ1 system 03:39 Producing 500 watts from two solar panels 04:02 Can renters benefit from plug-in solar? 04:26 What the EZ1 can—and cannot—offset 05:03 Real-world monthly energy production 06:00 The market solar installers are overlooking 07:09 Reaching the 70% excluded from traditional solar 08:00 Starting small with portable solar panels 09:03 Net metering and unwanted grid export 09:25 Introducing the APmeter zero-export solution 10:39 How the APmeter is installed 11:21 Controlling export through the app 12:20 Why smart meters detect backfeeding 12:57 EZ1 safety and compliance 13:27 Mounting and shading considerations 14:40 Helping households on fixed incomes 15:30 Plug-in solar in HOA communities 16:03 Do you need a dedicated circuit? 16:50 Dedicated GFCI circuit best practices 18:02 Emmitt’s first encounter with plug-in solar 19:14 Purchasing the EZ1 directly 19:50 What comes inside the box 20:49 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mounting features 22:29 Why startup takes five minutes 23:24 Adding panels to an existing solar customer 24:13 Making small solar financially accessible 25:34 EZ1 and APmeter discount 26:30 Solar education, workforce development and mentorship 29:26 A business opportunity for young entrepreneurs 30:12 Building a plug-in solar service 31:48 Solar is ultimately about people and community 32:43 APsystems teases plug-in battery storage 33:37 Emmitt’s solar-generator office setup 34:11 Start small and build an energy journey 35:26 Closing thoughts: The sun never sends a bill