A new pilot program in California is proving that cleaner power can be as simple as plugging into a wall outlet.
The initiative supports plug-in solar panels for renters to generate their own electricity. The San Francisco Chronicle observed solar adoption has faced "bureaucratic red tape," but solutions like this could make the process easier.
High upfront costs are also an impediment, reaching tens of thousands of dollars. This has locked out 2 million California households.
Plug-in models by the Palo Alto-based nonprofit Bright Saver seek to democratize solar.
These portable systems consist of panels that can sit in a backyard or on a balcony, per the Chronicle. They connect to a standard 120-volt wall outlet.
Amanda Royal, a Berkeley renter in the pilot, said, "Why should solar be any harder than that?"
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Solar technology is already a staple in Europe. According to the Chronicle, 1 million German homes use plug-in panels to lower energy bills. Bright Saver's pilot program has already seen success in California and Utah.
Early adopters like Royal have seen positive results. After one week of using two small panels, Royal's family reduced their purchased utility energy by 22%.
The report stated that a four-panel kit by Bright Saver has enough power for an "apartment's daily needs." It could save a four-person household about $500 each year.
"Every American should be able to drive to a store, buy a system, and start generating energy within minutes," affirmed Kevin Chou, Bright Saver's executive director.
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Upfront costs 💰 Despite the ease of use, regulatory hurdles remain.
In California, rules treat these small devices the same as rooftop arrays, per the report. The overbearing permit process and "interconnection agreements" discourage renters from using solar.
Utah has made strides in transitioning to solar energy. The state passed a law exempting these portable panels from such requirements.
The Chronicle mentioned that New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia are considering similar bills.
Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills
While plug-in technology gains ground in America, you don't have to wait to start saving. Cleaner energy can lower monthly expenses and protect the environment now.
— EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installations by curating competitive bids from local installers
— Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0-down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%
— TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners
Homeowners can pair solar panels with electric appliances to make utility costs even lower. An upgraded HVAC system, for example, can help you save massively on your energy bills, and TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the system that's right for you.
The free Palmetto Home app also makes it easy to unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades. Taking simple actions every day with the app helps you reach your home energy-efficiency goals.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
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