In more than half of states, lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of small plug-in solar panels that sit on apartment balconies and plug directly into household outlets. Currently, only major utilities deliver power to households, but now their monopoly is beginning to crumble. That’s because more than half of states are set to follow Utah’s lead and allow plug-and-play solar panels. As of last week, Democratic and Republican lawmakers in 28 states and Washington, DC, have announced their own legislation to make these systems legal. As utility bills climb and contribute to broader cost-of-living challenges across the U.S., legislators see the portable tech as an affordability tool. Differing models range in price from around $400–$2,000, depending on the size of the system. In contrast, rooftop solar installations can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That’s what makes balcony solar panels an appealing option in circumstances where rooftop solar is unrealistic.
