Panels from one site. Inverter from another. Mounts from a third. Then hope they're all compatible. Or get a complete, pre-matched, certified kit that plugs in and works. From a nonprofit.
See Complete Kits →Everything included · From $1,499 · 10-minute setup · 25-year warranty
Our Mission
Every purchase funds our mission to make solar energy accessible to all. When you buy a Bright Saver kit, you're not just expanding your solar — you're supporting a movement to make plug-in solar a common everyday appliance across America.
You've been down this road. It's more work than the actual installation.
Not all panels work with all inverters. Voltage ranges, wattage limits, connector types. One mismatch and you're returning parts or losing efficiency.
California requires UL 1741 SB certification for grid-tied inverters. Many cheap inverters on Amazon don't have it. Using one can violate your utility agreement.
Cables, connectors, mounting hardware, grounding. You think you have everything, then realize you're missing a part that takes 2 weeks to ship.
We did the research, sourcing, and compatibility testing. You just plug it in.
| Component | Source It Yourself | Bright Saver Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels (×4) | ~$600–$900. Research specs, check inverter voltage range, find a distributor that sells to consumers. | ✓ Included. Pre-matched to inverter. |
| Microinverter | ~$300–$500. Must be UL 1741 SB certified AND CA Energy Commission approved. Many Amazon options are not. | ✓ AP Systems. Fully certified. |
| Ground mounts | ~$200–$400. Must match exact panel dimensions. Universal mounts often don't fit. | ✓ Included. Perfect fit. |
| MC4 cables & connectors | ~$50–$100. Right gauge, right length, right connector gender. Easy to get wrong. | ✓ Correct gauge, correct length. |
| Certification verification | Your responsibility. Hours of research in CEC databases. | ✓ All pre-certified. |
| Compatibility guarantee | None. Returns are your problem. | ✓ Everything works together. |
| Technical support | Forums, YouTube, Reddit. | ✓ Phone & email from Oakland. |
| Total cost (4-panel) | $1,800 – $2,500+ (if you get it right the first time) | $2,348 — everything included |
Free pickup at our Oakland or LA warehouse. Or we deliver and set up within 50 miles for $349.
Panels, inverter, mounts, cables, connectors. Everything pre-matched and ready to assemble.
Ground mounts in a sunny spot. Plug into any outdoor outlet. No tools, no electrician needed.
The UL 1741 SB inverter syncs with your grid. Your meter sees it. Your bill drops.
California requires grid-tied inverters to be UL 1741 SB certified and approved by the California Energy Commission. This isn't optional. Non-compliant inverters can violate your utility agreement and void your NEM credits.
Every Bright Saver kit uses AP Systems microinverters that are UL 1741 SB certified and CA Energy Commission approved. You don't need to research certification databases or worry about compliance. We've already done it.
California also allows NEM customers to add up to 1KW without a new interconnection application. Our kits are designed to stay within this limit — no permits, no utility paperwork.
If DIY sourcing is too much hassle, an installer is even more.
| Call an Installer | Bright Saver Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to add 1KW | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $1,499 – $2,348 |
| Timeline | 4 – 12 weeks | Same day. 10 minutes. |
| Permits | Required | None. Under 1KW. |
| Electrician | Yes | No. Standard outlet. |
| Your involvement | Schedule, be home, deal with crew | 10 minutes. You do it yourself. |
| Portable | No | Yes. Take it when you move. |
Bright Saver is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our pricing covers costs, not margins.
"I spent 3 weeks researching parts on Amazon and eBay. Then I found Bright Saver, and everything was included. Set it up on a Sunday morning. Should've done this first."
Every component included. Every component compatible. Every component certified.
Maybe — but panels are only one component. By the time you add a UL 1741 SB certified inverter, compatible mounts, correct-gauge cables, and connectors, you're at $1,800–$2,500 if you get it right the first time. Our kit is $2,348 for 4 panels with everything pre-matched, certified, and guaranteed compatible. Plus you get phone support from a real team, not Reddit.
Only if it's UL 1741 SB certified AND approved by the California Energy Commission. Most cheap inverters aren't. Using a non-compliant inverter can violate your utility agreement and void NEM credits. Our AP Systems inverters are fully certified.
No. California allows NEM customers to add up to 1KW without a new interconnection application. Our kits stay within this limit. No permits, no utility paperwork.
Yes. Place the ground mounts, attach panels, plug into an outdoor outlet. No tools, no wiring, no roof work. The inverter syncs with your grid automatically.
Bright Saver is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is making solar accessible. Our pricing covers costs, not margins. We've been featured in The New York Times and CNN. This isn't a side hustle — it's our whole purpose.
Free pickup at either warehouse. Delivery & installation within 50 miles for $349.
Free pickup available
Free pickup available
Every hour spent sourcing parts is an hour you could be generating solar power. Get the complete kit and be done by lunch.
Get Your Complete Kit →Everything included · 25-year warranty · 25-year panel warranty
Utility-specific steps may apply depending on your location.
PG&E customers: Most PG&E customers can add a small solar expansion under qualifying thresholds without additional approval before operation.
SCE customers: Southern California Edison customers adding panels may need an updated interconnection application and should wait for Permission to Operate (PTO) before operating the added equipment. Bright Saver can help you understand the process.
SDG&E customers: Please contact Bright Saver for guidance on SDG&E's interconnection process for small expansions.
Bright Saver uses UL 1741 SB certified inverter equipment. All kits are California Energy Commission approved. Have questions about your specific setup? Contact us or call (408) 345-5768.