Plugging in to plug-in solar
- plug in solar
In January, we wrote that plug-in solar was poised to make a big impact across the country. We were right! As legislatures across the country gavel to a close, six states have passed laws to enable their residents to use plug-in solar panels. More may be doing so soon. An additional thirty considered plug-in bills that would create safety standards for plug-in solar and to cut unnecessary red tape.
What is plug-in solar?
Plug-in solar panels provide a simple, reliable way to save money by generating your own electricity. Plug-in panels connect to an outlet. This lets you go solar without a complicated installation. Small scale plug-in systems can be placed on a balcony, in a front or backyard, or on a roof deck.
Plug-in systems are an easy and affordable way to get started going solar. They range in output size from 200–1,900 watts. This is enough electricity to power a small air conditioner. By comparison, a typical home rooftop installation will be between 3,000–9,000 watts. Systems cost between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. Installation can typically be done without a contractor.
Depending on where you live, you could save between $180–$800 per year in energy costs.
Solar supporters are making plug-in solar happen
Plug-in solar momentum doesn’t happen without solar supporters making their voices heard. They have sent more than 12,000 messages to state lawmakers over the past few months urging them to allow plug-in solar in their states. They are making noise in other ways too.
They’ve secured coverage about plug-in solar in an op-ed in the Buffalo News, the Kansas City Star, and even Duetsche Welle, Germany’s leading newspaper, among others.
Plug-in supporters have also hosted “show and tell” events in D.C., Colorado, and Ohio to demonstrate to state lawmakers and the general public how the panels work and can benefit their constituents.
Four SUN volunteers were recently trained to become constituent meeting coaches and are ready to connect plug-in solar supporters with their state legislators. They’re ready to help you meet with your elected officials. They will also give you all the tips and tools you need to ask them to bring plug-in solar to your state.
Join us to learn more
We’re hosting a free webinar on June 22 to discuss what solar supporters in states that passed legislation should know now that plug-in solar is coming, and what solar supporters in states without plug-in legislation can do to make sure their state approves plug-in solar soon.
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