Residential solar is one of the best investments for homeowners looking to save money on their utility bills, and getting panels may soon get even more accessible thanks to a wave of new state legislation.
According to Canary Media, lawmakers in more than half of U.S. states have introduced bills to make it easier for residents to install small-scale solar panel systems on their homes.
Balcony solar panels have gained popularity in Europe because they are cheaper than rooftop arrays and are simple to install. These panels often don't require any rewiring; homeowners and renters can just plug them in, place them in sunlight, and generate their own electricity.
Given the many benefits, you may be wondering why these panels haven't taken off in the U.S. Well, before these laws were introduced, balcony solar panels fell under regulations that had users obtain permission from their utility providers, despite the smaller units having much simpler installation requirements and lower energy-generating capacities.
Luckily, state lawmakers are changing these requirements. As Canary Media shared, 28 states are now considering laws to remove this regulatory barrier that prevents U.S. residents from utilizing balcony panels. This is great news for renters and those in apartment blocks.
Although balcony-scale panels do generate some savings, you can take full control of your electricity generation and even completely eliminate your bill with a full rooftop installation. The free tools from TCD partner EnergySage can help you get started.
For some, like NYC resident Lauren Phillips, balcony solar panels are already making a difference for their power costs.
"I have an enormous childcare bill every month," Phillips told Canary Media. "My electricity bills never go anything but up."
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By partnering with plug-in solar non-profit BrightSaver, Phillips was able to snag a solar panel for her balcony. Estimates show the panel alone will generate roughly 15% to 20% of the electricity her family uses.
"This is just a thing that I plugged in, and I'm generating my own power," Phillips added.
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Save $1,000 this year 💸 If you're ready to start your power generation journey, you can take advantage of EnergySage's helpful and always-up-to-date solar resources. Buyers who consult with EnergySage can save up to $10,000 on their installation costs.
You can even use EnergySage's free mapping tool to see the average cost of solar panel systems and detailed information on incentives on a state-by-state level. This tool can ensure you get the best price for your home and budget while locking in all the available discounts.
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To further boost your savings, consider getting a whole-home battery to pair with your solar panels. Battery backups can help you save big on utility bills, all while protecting your family from frustrating power outages.
For competitive installation estimates, or to learn about the other benefits of battery solutions, check out EnergySage's helpful information on making your home's energy more secure.
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