A homeowner in Utah turned to the internet for help after receiving confusing pushback from local power companies about newly legal balcony solar systems.
"I live in Utah and have been looking into Balcony Solar," the original poster wrote in the r/SolarDIY subreddit. "I have questions."
In May, a new state law in Utah took effect that allows homeowners to install balcony solar systems of up to 1,200 watts, according to The Business Download.
However, when the homeowner reached out to local utility companies, the employees did not seem aware of the new law.
"When I called my utility, they hadn't heard about it and said, 'You can't do that,'" the OP explained. "I poked a bit more and got them to agree to look into it."
Balcony solar systems are a great option for those looking to benefit from the cost savings and environmental benefits of home solar but who might not be able to install traditional roof-mounted solar panels. Smaller in size than roof-mounted panels, balcony solar systems plug directly into home power outlets. They are also a great option for renters or those who can't afford to purchase roof-mounted panels.
To find out what solar options are available in your area, you can check out The Cool Down's Solar Explorer, where you can find all kinds of useful information from trusted partners such as Palmetto and EnergySage. With the help of these partners and their concierge-level service, which allows you to compare quotes from local installers, customers can save up to $10,000.
If purchasing roof-mounted solar panels doesn't fit into your budget, one potential option is solar leasing. For example, Palmetto's LightReach solar-leasing program allows you to lock in energy rates that are as much as 20% lower for as little as $0 down. Further, by using the Palmetto Home app, you can unlock up to $5,000 in additional savings.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
But if you are looking to buy, check out EnergySage's free tools, which can help you snag all available incentives for solar installations.
As for the OP, they wondered if they were simply confused about the new law, or if the power companies themselves had it wrong.
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I want panels 🏠 "I spoke to a few other local utilities with basically the same response," they wrote. "Is this just so new that no one is doing it yet and a bunch of utilities are about to get surprised?"
Other Redditors rushed to the comments to confirm that the utility company employees were mistaken.
"In my experience the people in the office don't really have the field knowledge to do the job they oversee," one commenter wrote. "I would not be surprised if most of them haven't heard of the rule change or know anything of the devices."
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