What I Recommend — Von Amend
Von Amend

Recommendations · Updated September 2026

What I
recommend

Hardware I've tested, verified, or researched thoroughly enough to trust. Some links earn a commission and are marked. Nothing here is on this list because of it — how I make money.

Microinverters

The microinverter does almost all the safety-critical work in a plug-in system. Full certification detail for every unit below is on the microinverter comparison page.

APsystems EZ1-LV plug-in microinverter with its cord plugged into a standard wall outlet

APsystems EZ1-LV

This is the microinverter I installed myself. Two DC inputs, no electrician required for a system this size.

Supports 2 panels 26–60V MPPT 900VA output

Certifications verified

  • Certified to US standards under CSA class 5311-80, Interactive Plug-In PV Equipment and Systems (PIPV) — file 259077, holder Altenergy Power System Inc. · read the certification record
  • The record lists nine conditions of acceptability, including a dedicated circuit and an integrated bidirectional Class A GFCI. Worth reading before you buy.
Full specifications
Panels supported2 (two DC inputs)
Panel voltage window26–60V MPPT range; 27–45V at full power; 60V maximum input
Panel wattage supported315–660W+
Max AC output900VA
CertificationCertified to US standards under CSA class 5311-80 (PIPV), file 259077. The record cites UL 6703 and UL 3700 sec. 6.4 in its conditions of acceptability; it does not list UL 1741 as a separate certification.
Warranty12 years standard; registration required
MSRP: $325 Where to buy → Affiliate link — I earn a commission

Use code VON_AMEND for $5 off the EZ1. One use per customer.

Add-ons for the EZ1

Buy these with the inverter if you need them — both are easier to order at the same time than to add later.

APsystems APmeter (Zero Export)

A monitoring add-on for the EZ1-LV setup. Pairs with the system to track what your panels are actually producing against what your home is using, and enforces zero export where that's required.

Where to buy → Affiliate link

EZ1 Dual Parallel Bus Cable + Power Cord

Expand to four panels by connecting two EZ1 units together on the AC side. Choose whichever length matches your run.

Affiliate links
Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV plug-in microinverter, white enclosure with its AC plug cable and two DC connectors

Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV

One of the first plug-in units certified to UL 3700 in the US. One panel per microinverter, and Hoymiles rates up to four microinverters and panels per system.

These don't daisy-chain. Each unit is single-input, one panel per microinverter, and Hoymiles is explicit that units don't chain together. Scaling up to 4 panels means 4 separate units in 4 separate wall outlets, not a shared connection like the EZ1 supports with its bus cable. Worth planning around if outlet access is tight.

1 panel per microinverter 16–60V input Up to 4 units per system

Certifications verified

  • Certified to UL 3700 under CSA class C531180, Interactive Plug-In PV Equipment and Systems (PIPV) — Certificate of Compliance 80310016, issued 2026-07-15, holder Hoymiles Power Electronics Inc. · read the certificate (PDF)
  • The certificate lists nine conditions of acceptability, including a built-in 4A/5A fuse, use on a non-dedicated 15A branch circuit, and a listed bidirectional Class A GFCI between the system and that circuit. Worth reading before you buy.
Full specifications
Panels supported1 per microinverter (1 MPPT, 1 input per MPPT); Hoymiles rates up to 4 microinverters and panels per system
Panel voltage window16–60V MPPT window
Panel wattage supported280 to 470W+ per panel
Max AC output360VA per microinverter
CertificationCSA-certified to UL 3700 (certificate 80310016). The datasheet also lists UL 1741 and IEEE 1547; the CSA certificate covers UL 3700 only.
Warranty12 years
$169 Where to buy → No affiliate link — I recommend it anyway

Sold by Self2Solar as the HMS-360-1WM-LV (280–470W+ panels, 60V max input) — the only HiFlow Pro LV model available in the US so far. On backorder as of this writing.

WHY ISN'T NEP'S LIBERTY BDM-1200-LV LISTED HERE?

It's the one you're most likely to find on Amazon, but I'm not recommending it right now.

Read why →
Panels

Panel choice is mostly about matching the microinverter's voltage window and fitting the space you have. The install story covers how I sized mine. For why compatible panels are hard to find in the US, see sourcing panels for plug-in solar.

Shipping is the hidden cost. Many panel vendors won't ship a single panel, and most that do charge hundreds for shipping. The panels below are priced well, fit the EZ1's voltage window, and ship free within the US, which is why they're here.

Renogy RSP200DC 200W rigid solar panel, front and back views showing aluminum frame, junction box and connector cables

Renogy RSP200DC

A 200W panel. Verified voltage fits the EZ1-LV's MPPT window on its own, no series wiring needed to make the numbers work. Heavier and more traditional-looking than a semi-flexible panel, but it's readily available in the US, ships free, and carries a 10/25 year warranty.

Fits the EZ1 window on its own 200W Rigid, aluminum frame
Full specifications
Rated power200W
Vmp / Voc31.03V / 37.44V
TypeRigid, aluminum frame
PairingVoltage verified to fit the EZ1-LV's MPPT window on its own — no series wiring required
Dimensions49.7 × 30.1 × 1.2 in (1262 × 764 × 30 mm)
Weight23.4 lbs (10.6 kg)
Warranty10-year warranty · 25-year 80% output
ShippingFree, within the US
MSRP: $179.99 Where to buy → Affiliate link — I earn a commission

Regularly discounted below MSRP.

Renogy RSP200DC-ASR 200W all-black rigid solar panel, front and back views showing black frame, junction box and connector cables

Renogy RSP200DC-ASR

The upgraded version of the RSP200DC above, sleek all-black panels marketed with improved shade performance. Renogy support confirmed the panel uses 28 bypass diodes, versus 2 on the standard RSP200DC. More diodes means the panel bypasses shaded sections in smaller chunks, so a partial shadow costs less total output than it would on the standard design. Worth the price premium if shade is a real concern for your install; otherwise the RSP200DC above covers the same core setup for less and has a better warranty.

Fits the EZ1 window on its own 28 bypass diodes Rigid, aluminum frame All-black
Full specifications
Rated power200W
Vmp / Voc31.3V / 36.5V
TypeRigid, aluminum frame
PairingVoltage fits the EZ1-LV's MPPT window on its own — no series wiring required
Bypass diodes28 (confirmed by Renogy support); the standard RSP200DC has 2, per Renogy's datasheet
FinishAll-black
Dimensions49.69 × 30.08 × 1.18 in (1262 × 764 × 30 mm)
Weight23.83 lbs (10.81 kg)
Warranty5-year warranty · 25-year 80% output
ShippingFree, within the US
MSRP: $239.99 Where to buy → Affiliate link — I earn a commission

Independently researched. Honestly told.