A✌️421-word✌️under 2-minute✌️read
Almost exactly a year ago I did a post on the adoption of balcony solar in Germany. At the time, residents of Germany had installed approximately 200 MW of balcony solar systems. In Germany, such systems are limited to 800 watts in size, or about enough power to run a small refrigerator.
The post pointed out that the value from installing solar on a balcony wasn’t so much about the ability to add significant power to the grid, but getting more people engaged in clean energy.
The question: Could such an idea catch on in the U.S.?
We now have an answer.
Earlier this year Utah became the first state to pass legislation enabling plug-in solar systems. Last month Pennsylvania proposed a similar law. And lawmakers in New Hampshire and Vermont are considering legislation that would make plug-in solar systems available to their residents. In all, reports are that a dozen or so states are considering similar moves.
The advantages of plug-in systems are obvious. They plug into standard 120-volt outlets, eliminating the need for expensive installations. They also cost much less than a typical rooftop system – about $2,000 versus around $20,000.
The limitations are also obvious. They don’t produce much power. However, the payback on a plug-in system may actually be shorter than that a rooftop, particularly now that the tax credits are going away.
All the proposed and passed legislation define the parameters of plug-in solar systems and authorize households to install them without the need to file the onerous paperwork associated with rooftop systems. Most importantly, the laws define the safety requirements including Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification.
According to Kevin Chou, founder of the nonprofit Bright Savers which advocates for the plug-in solar, currently, there are two manufacturers that make compliant systems, but notes that UL is still working to finalize the safety protocols. Bright Savers is working with UL and hopes to have a standard fully developed by the end of the year.
With electricity prices rising at a much faster pace than overall inflation, such systems are likely to become increasingly attractive. Assuming plug-in solar catches on, manufacturers will start enjoying the benefits of economies of scale. That will significantly drive down the cost and payback for such systems. At that point, it could become a financial no-brainer.
As in Germany, the incremental power that these systems generate isn’t the big win. It would be getting many more citizens involved in clean energy technology, and seeing firsthand the potential benefits that can be derived.
Here's the link to the previous story on Germany's balcony solar efforts.
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