In the sweltering heat of summer, a quiet revolution brews. As electricity prices skyrocket, some U. S. residents are taking matters into their own hands. They are installing DIY solar panels on balconies and in backyards, often without their utility's knowledge or consent. These "plug-in solar" systems, also known as balcony solar, typically consist of two to four solar panels plugged into wall outlets. They generate enough electricity to power essential appliances, potentially saving homeowners and renters hundreds of dollars a year on their utility bills. The nascent market for plug-in solar systems is gaining momentum. Legislation has been introduced in nearly two dozen states to legalize these systems, which could jump-start a new era of affordable renewable energy. Utah has already enacted a law allowing plug-in solar without utility approval, and other states, including New York and California, are considering similar legislation. However, concerns linger. Utilities worry about the impact on grid balance if excess electricity is fed into the network without their knowledge. Landlords and homeowners associations also express concerns about safety and aesthetics. Despite these challenges, millions of balcony solar systems have been deployed in countries like Germany, which regulates the technology. In the U. S., only about 5,000 plug-in solar systems have
As electricity prices soar and rooftop solar subsidies vanish, some U.S. renters and homeowners are surreptitiously installing solar panels on ...Related perspectives: Check here
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