Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them

"A year ago, nobody was talking about this. The panels are already popular in Germany, where more than 1.2 million of the small plug-in systems are registered with the German government. For the panels to become more widely available in the U.S., state lawmakers are proposing bills that eliminate complicated utility connection agreements, which are required for larger rooftop solar installations."

"Those agreements, along with permitting and other installation costs, can double the price of solar panels. Utah enacted the first law, last May, supporting plug-in solar, and now some 30 pieces of similar legislation have been introduced around the United States. But the drive toward plug-in solar is facing pushback from electric utilities."

"The safety of our linemen and others that work on that system is a reason that we oppose House Bill 1304. After her comments at a legislative hearing in Georgia last month, the committee chairman declined to hold a vote on the bill until safety questions could be addressed. Similar bills have been delayed in Arizona, New Mexico, Washington and Wyoming."

Plug-in solar panels, which connect directly to standard household outlets, are emerging as an accessible renewable energy option for homeowners and renters seeking to reduce utility bills. Already popular in Germany with over 1.2 million registered systems, these panels require minimal installation compared to traditional rooftop solar. U.S. state lawmakers are proposing legislation to streamline the process by eliminating complex utility connection agreements that typically double installation costs. Utah passed the first supportive law in May, followed by approximately 30 similar bills introduced nationwide. However, electric utilities are mounting significant opposition, citing safety concerns for workers and prompting delays in five states including Arizona, Georgia, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming.

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