Balcony solar bill introduced in Congress
Last edited
Author
Andrew Blok
Electrification and Solar Writer and Editor
What happened?
The first federal bill on plug-in solar, often called balcony solar, was introduced on October 19, according to Canary Media. The Socket Full of Sunshine Act would ask state utility regulators to consider rules that make plug-in solar easier to use. Canary reports the bill is unlikely to advance in the current Congress but could be reintroduced after the new Congress is seated in January. For now it’s only a proposal, so nothing changes for homeowners yet.
What it could mean for your home
Balcony solar are smaller-than-rooftop-solar systems that plug into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. They generate only a modest amount of electricity, but enough to chip away at your electricity bill. Thanks to their lower upfront cost, payback periods (how long it takes savings to cover the cost) can take just a couple of years depending on local electricity rates.
Whether you can use one depends on where you live. According to Bright Saver, a balcony solar pioneer in the United States, 11 states have passed plug-in solar laws. Confirm the specifics of your state’s legislation, but most require certified panels under a certain size.
Rooftop solar works differently. Those systems are larger, so they can supply more of a home’s electricity and may reduce bills by more, depending on your roof, sun exposure, and usage.
What you can do next
Start with your utility bill. Your rates and how much electricity you use both shape how much any kind of solar could help.
If plug-in solar interests you, check your state’s rules and your utility’s requirements before buying a kit. If you own your home and have a suitable roof, Palmetto’s homeowner’s guide to solar panels explains how rooftop systems work and what to weigh.
If you’re curious whether rooftop solar could make sense for your home, learn more about Palmetto’s solar options for eligible homes.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.
