Solar Panels for Your Balcony: A New Way to Go Green

In the United States, a fresh trend is emerging among homeowners and renters who want to use solar energy without the high cost of rooftop installations. These small solar panels, about the size of a door, can be plugged into regular wall outlets and placed on balconies or decks. This idea has been popular in Europe for a while, but it's now gaining traction in the U. S. One early adopter, Terrence Dwyer from Oakland, California, quickly decided to try this new technology after seeing a flyer. His plug-in solar system, which cost around $2, 000, consists of two 400-watt panels, an inverter, a smart meter, and a circuit breaker. It saves him about $35 per month on his power bill, but his main motivation was reducing his carbon footprint. However, installing these systems isn't always straightforward. Rules vary by power company and municipality, and some systems may require professional installation. Despite these challenges, demand is growing, especially as federal tax credits for rooftop solar systems are being phased out. Bright Saver, a nonprofit company in California, is one of the providers of these plug-in solar systems. They offer different models, including a smaller one that recently sold out in just six days. The company's founders believe that these systems are hitting a nerve with Americans who want affordable and feasible solar options. Utah has recently passed a law supporting plug-in solar systems, exempting certain small-scale systems from interconnection agreements and establishing safety requirements. This law is seen as a positive step towards wider adoption of these systems in the U. S. While the cost savings from these systems may not be significant for everyone, many people are motivated by the environmental benefits. Craig Keenan, a Baltimore resident, installed a Bright Saver model on his balcony in July. He expects to save about $40 per year on his utility bills, and he believes that anyone can install these systems. Other companies, like Texas-based Craftstrom and China-based EcoFlow, are also selling plug-in solar kits. They expect demand to increase as more people become aware of these systems and as federal rooftop solar credits expire.