Balcony solar

Solar

Where does balcony solar stand in your state?

Dozens of states are considering legislation to allow residents to use DIY plug-in solar. Follow the efforts here.

By Sarah Shemkus . 8 June 2026

Solar

Balcony solar bill dies in Illinois after union voices opposition

Legislation to open the door for small plug-in solar panels hit roadblocks, including safety concerns raised by the state's electrical workers union

By Kari Lydersen . 8 May 2026
Solar

What to know before you get balcony solar

States are starting to embrace plug-and-play solar. Get up to speed on the cost, payback, and safety bona fides of the systems before they hit shelves near you.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 April 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bills make inroads across New England

Energy affordability woes are pushing all six states to advance legislation allowing DIY, plug-in solar panels. A bill is even nearing the governor’s desk in Maine.

By Sarah Shemkus . 27 March 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bill gains momentum in Illinois

More than two dozen states are considering bills that would make it easier for households to adopt plug-in solar arrays. Illinois could be next to pass one.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 March 2026
Solar

Virginia to become second state that allows balcony solar

Residents of the state will soon be able to use the tech to lower their electricity bills. Gov. Spanberger has made affordability a top legislative priority.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 12 March 2026
Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Solar

California bills would cut red tape for balcony solar and heat pumps

State Sen. Scott Wiener wants to tackle energy affordability by making it easier than ever for households to adopt increasingly popular clean-energy tech.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 January 2026
Solar

Raya Power makes a solar-battery system you can put in your backyard

The startup built a compact solar-battery combo that connects directly to key household appliances, is easy to plug in, and requires no special permits.

By Jeff St. John . 12 December 2025
Solar

Plug-in solar bills are in the works in New Hampshire and Vermont

DIY "balcony" solar kits, which can save residents money and give them more independence, are piquing interest from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

By Sarah Shemkus . 23 September 2025
Solar

Balcony solar is all the rage in Germany. Why not in the US?

A new Utah law promoting balcony solar reveals the challenges of making the clean-energy tech mesh with the U.S. grid.

By Akielly Hu . 1 May 2025