#balconysolar — Public Fediverse posts

#PlugInSolar Panels Are Starting to Sprout in #US Backyards

Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits or electricians.

By Ivan Penn and Claire Brown
Published July 31, 2026, Updated Aug. 3, 2026

Excerpt: "Millions of Americans worried about rising energy costs might soon follow in her footsteps as states start allowing homeowners and renters to plug in solar panels on balconies, in backyards and other places. Plug-in systems are much smaller and cheaper than rooftop build-outs — some costing just a few hundred dollars a panel. Permits are not required in the states that allow their use, and people can often install them on their own.

"Utah became the first state to legalize plug-in solar systems last year. Nine others, including New Jersey, Virginia and Colorado, have joined it, and lawmakers in California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and several other states are considering doing so."

Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/business/energy-environment/plug-in-balcony-solar.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/0yRS2

#SolarPunkSunday #BackyardSolar #Renewables #SolarEnergy #BalconySolar #RenewablesNow

#PlugInSolar Panels Are Starting to Sprout in #US Backyards

Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits or electricians.

By Ivan Penn and Claire Brown
Published July 31, 2026, Updated Aug. 3, 2026

Excerpt: "Millions of Americans worried about rising energy costs might soon follow in her footsteps as states start allowing homeowners and renters to plug in solar panels on balconies, in backyards and other places. Plug-in systems are much smaller and cheaper than rooftop build-outs — some costing just a few hundred dollars a panel. Permits are not required in the states that allow their use, and people can often install them on their own.

"Utah became the first state to legalize plug-in solar systems last year. Nine others, including New Jersey, Virginia and Colorado, have joined it, and lawmakers in California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and several other states are considering doing so."

Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/business/energy-environment/plug-in-balcony-solar.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/0yRS2

#SolarPunkSunday #BackyardSolar #Renewables #SolarEnergy #BalconySolar #RenewablesNow

@enobacon @MCDuncanLab @ai6yr
My ideal is for them to install #solar awnings over our sun-baked windows to power the cooling machines (of whatever type)

On the hottest sunniest days, the shade would dramatically cool our apartments, and the solar would power the devices that would further keep us safe

Somebody should invent a #BalconySolar setup like that for people with no balcony

@enobacon @MCDuncanLab @ai6yr
My ideal is for them to install #solar awnings over our sun-baked windows to power the cooling machines (of whatever type)

On the hottest sunniest days, the shade would dramatically cool our apartments, and the solar would power the devices that would further keep us safe

Somebody should invent a #BalconySolar setup like that for people with no balcony

#NinaMunteanu Talks to CBC About #Solarpunk (in #Toronto and Elsewhere)

May 3, 2026

Excerpts:

"On the Emerging Solarpunk Movement in Toronto:

When asked about whether there is a solarpunk movement in Toronto, I said absolutely! #SolarpunkToronto is an emerging movement focused on building a #sustainable, #equitable future through #CommunityAction, #GreenArchitecture, and #RenewableEnergy, specifically tailored for the city’s urban environment. It includes initiatives like sustainable fashion shows, community meetings, and innovative #storytelling, aimed at merging environmental activism with optimistic technology. The mantra is to achieve a regenerative sustainable urban future.

I mentioned #LindsayJane of the Solarpunk Scene (Youtube videos on Solarpunk projects in Toronto) and Ariel of Solarpunk Presents with podcast interviews on solarpunk efforts. People can find community on the Solarpunk Facegroup group. I also talked about the #TorontoSolarpunkMeetup at the #CentreForSocialInnovation, where they practice ' #PrefigurativeLife ’: living as if the #SustainableFuture already exists. Which it does, though not everywhere.

This reminds me of #cyberpunk science fiction author #WilliamGibson’s famous quote: The future is already here; it’s just not evenly distributed.

Examples of solarpunk initiatives practiced by individuals and small communities include the use of #CommunityGardens, setting up and looking after #RooftopGardens or #raingardens. Tenants can have a #PollinatorGarden on their patio and set up a #BalconySolar panel (now very affordable). People are going electric; some are setting up solar rooftops or balconies. Groups and individuals are engaging in clothing swaps and sustainable fashion runways.

Community-led trusts are involved in repairing items for reuse instead of adding to the throw-away culture. In my book #ADiaryInTheAgeOfWater the diarist’s mother Una rides her bike all over the community, repairing all kinds of things for a community that has lost its ability to do so; something we’re losing in this digital age.

On a Solarpunk Future:

We discussed the feasibility of a city like Toronto becoming 100% solarpunk. My response was a wary yes. Of course it was possible. But, in my opinion, two things have to happen for this to succeed: 1) the willingness of individuals in a community to give up a consumer-led capitalist lifestyle and adopt a lighter gentler footprint; and 2) community and city leaders to be on board with it. The enthusiastic cooperation of leaders cannot be overstressed for a paradigm shift toward a solarpunk future to succeed."

Read more:
https://ninamunteanu.me/2026/05/03/nina-talks-to-cbc-about-solarpunk-in-toronto-and-elsewhere/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #TheFutureIsNow #WeNeedOurNeighbors #SolarPunkFuture #ParadigmShift #SolarPunkWriters

#NinaMunteanu Talks to CBC About #Solarpunk (in #Toronto and Elsewhere)

May 3, 2026

Excerpts:

"On the Emerging Solarpunk Movement in Toronto:

When asked about whether there is a solarpunk movement in Toronto, I said absolutely! #SolarpunkToronto is an emerging movement focused on building a #sustainable, #equitable future through #CommunityAction, #GreenArchitecture, and #RenewableEnergy, specifically tailored for the city’s urban environment. It includes initiatives like sustainable fashion shows, community meetings, and innovative #storytelling, aimed at merging environmental activism with optimistic technology. The mantra is to achieve a regenerative sustainable urban future.

I mentioned #LindsayJane of the Solarpunk Scene (Youtube videos on Solarpunk projects in Toronto) and Ariel of Solarpunk Presents with podcast interviews on solarpunk efforts. People can find community on the Solarpunk Facegroup group. I also talked about the #TorontoSolarpunkMeetup at the #CentreForSocialInnovation, where they practice ' #PrefigurativeLife ’: living as if the #SustainableFuture already exists. Which it does, though not everywhere.

This reminds me of #cyberpunk science fiction author #WilliamGibson’s famous quote: The future is already here; it’s just not evenly distributed.

Examples of solarpunk initiatives practiced by individuals and small communities include the use of #CommunityGardens, setting up and looking after #RooftopGardens or #raingardens. Tenants can have a #PollinatorGarden on their patio and set up a #BalconySolar panel (now very affordable). People are going electric; some are setting up solar rooftops or balconies. Groups and individuals are engaging in clothing swaps and sustainable fashion runways.

Community-led trusts are involved in repairing items for reuse instead of adding to the throw-away culture. In my book #ADiaryInTheAgeOfWater the diarist’s mother Una rides her bike all over the community, repairing all kinds of things for a community that has lost its ability to do so; something we’re losing in this digital age.

On a Solarpunk Future:

We discussed the feasibility of a city like Toronto becoming 100% solarpunk. My response was a wary yes. Of course it was possible. But, in my opinion, two things have to happen for this to succeed: 1) the willingness of individuals in a community to give up a consumer-led capitalist lifestyle and adopt a lighter gentler footprint; and 2) community and city leaders to be on board with it. The enthusiastic cooperation of leaders cannot be overstressed for a paradigm shift toward a solarpunk future to succeed."

Read more:
https://ninamunteanu.me/2026/05/03/nina-talks-to-cbc-about-solarpunk-in-toronto-and-elsewhere/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #TheFutureIsNow #WeNeedOurNeighbors #SolarPunkFuture #ParadigmShift #SolarPunkWriters

Balcony Solar: $1.74/watt direct plug-in solar

https://www.brightsaver.org/balcony-solar-kits

Comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49101849

#HackerNews #BalconySolar #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #CleanTech #SustainableLiving

Balcony Solar: $1.74/watt direct plug-in solar

https://www.brightsaver.org/balcony-solar-kits

Comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49101849

#HackerNews #BalconySolar #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #CleanTech #SustainableLiving

@ecb Some more designs: Houses with #balconysolar and a PV Pioneer!

@ecb Some more designs: Houses with #balconysolar and a PV Pioneer!

#Finland must implement European Commission recommendation 1007/2026 to "remove regulatory obstacles for #PlugInBatteries and #balconySolar PV installations up to 800 W"

-Finnish consumers are at disadvantage compared to several other EU countries

-The #Balkonkraftwerk helps #Climate & #Resilience

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fnej4obvslyxohs3sn74mlcb/post/3mrg7hcu3t22b

#Finland must implement European Commission recommendation 1007/2026 to "remove regulatory obstacles for #PlugInBatteries and #balconySolar PV installations up to 800 W"

-Finnish consumers are at disadvantage compared to several other EU countries

-The #Balkonkraftwerk helps #Climate & #Resilience

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fnej4obvslyxohs3sn74mlcb/post/3mrg7hcu3t22b

#UK households free to install #balconysolar panels from end of August

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jul/23/uk-households-free-install-plug-in-balcony-solar-panels

#UK households free to install #balconysolar panels from end of August

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jul/23/uk-households-free-install-plug-in-balcony-solar-panels

$1.23/Watt is an incredible price for solar PV in the US.

If you're in one of the 8 states that allow plug-in solar, or in one of the 33 states that have introduced legislation, think about where you could fit this bad boy.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/balcony-panel-bright-saver-deal

#solar #balconysolar

$1.23/Watt is an incredible price for solar PV in the US.

If you're in one of the 8 states that allow plug-in solar, or in one of the 33 states that have introduced legislation, think about where you could fit this bad boy.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/balcony-panel-bright-saver-deal

#solar #balconysolar

His Majesty’s Britannic Government has published its “Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification” Version 1.

We see this as good step forward to finally legalise #pluginsolar in #Britain buuuuuuuuuuut we have the impression that some of the lest necessary and most unsubstantiated regulations from ze Tscherman DIN VDE V 0126-95 have been copied.

A prohibition of Y-connectors has no base in safety literature and hinders the reuse of used solar panels.

The provision requiring matching connector pairs from the same product family has no evidence in safety studies and literature.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5795be822fbe6b8245c9f1/plug-in-solar-interim-product-specification-withdrawn.pdf

#pluginsolar #pluginpv #uk #balconysolar

His Majesty’s Britannic Government has published its “Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification” Version 1.

We see this as good step forward to finally legalise #pluginsolar in #Britain buuuuuuuuuuut we have the impression that some of the lest necessary and most unsubstantiated regulations from ze Tscherman DIN VDE V 0126-95 have been copied.

A prohibition of Y-connectors has no base in safety literature and hinders the reuse of used solar panels.

The provision requiring matching connector pairs from the same product family has no evidence in safety studies and literature.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5795be822fbe6b8245c9f1/plug-in-solar-interim-product-specification-withdrawn.pdf

#pluginsolar #pluginpv #uk #balconysolar

Balcony solar at cost! Too bad they're not yet legal in WA!
#solar #BalconySolar #USSolar

A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US | Canary Media
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/balcony-panel-bright-saver-deal

Balcony solar at cost! Too bad they're not yet legal in WA!
#solar #BalconySolar #USSolar

A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US | Canary Media
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/balcony-panel-bright-saver-deal

GREEN ALERT!!!

Brightsaver is now doing balcony solar orders at-cost. Get a panel for your balcony in 47 states of the US for $300 (member price). Non-members pay $500. Pre-orders now, shipping starts in August. Normalize solar. Get you a portable battery and you just might be prepared for blackouts too.

https://www.brightsaver.org/balcony-solar-kits

#Solar #BalconySolar

GREEN ALERT!!!

Brightsaver is now doing balcony solar orders at-cost. Get a panel for your balcony in 47 states of the US for $300 (member price). Non-members pay $500. Pre-orders now, shipping starts in August.

It plugs right into your wall outlet, literally plug and play.

Normalize solar. Get you a portable battery and you just might be prepared for blackouts too.

https://www.brightsaver.org/balcony-solar-kits

#Solar #BalconySolar

Apparently there are eight states in the USA were plug in solar is allowed, a.k.a balcony solar.

Which countries in the EU have it?

#EU #USA #pluginsolar #balconysolar #balkonsolar

Apparently there are eight states in the USA were plug in solar is allowed, a.k.a balcony solar.

Which countries in the EU have it?

#EU #USA #pluginsolar #balconysolar #balkonsolar

Hey Canada - yeah, I'm looking at you, Mark - as noted in article, balcony solar becoming a Big Deal in Germany (and elsewhere).
I know you're busy keeping Danielle happy, but let's have a little creativity with existing tech and a sympathetic government, huh? Looking at my west facing balcony and all of the flat rooftops I can see here. And my power bill...

#Canada #Carney #renewableenergy #balconysolar #environment

A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US

https://flip.it/tQSiBt

Hey Canada - yeah, I'm looking at you, Mark - as noted in article, balcony solar becoming a Big Deal in Germany (and elsewhere).
I know you're busy keeping Danielle happy, but let's have a little creativity with existing tech and a sympathetic government, huh? Looking at my west facing balcony and all of the flat rooftops I can see here. And my power bill...

#Canada #Carney #renewableenergy #balconysolar #environment

A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US

https://flip.it/tQSiBt

For the first time, Greece allows households and businesses to install #balconysolar and #standalonebattery systems

https://ceenergynews.com/renewables/greece-self-consumption-solar-battery/

For the first time, Greece allows households and businesses to install #balconysolar and #standalonebattery systems

https://ceenergynews.com/renewables/greece-self-consumption-solar-battery/

I look at balcony solar and wonder about the loss of light in rooms that have panels cutting off light.

I'd try tieing a piece of cardboard where the panel would go and see if I liked the impact on natural light in the home.
But I love love love lots of natural light in the daytime. Other priorities are good too.

#BalconySolar

I look at balcony solar and wonder about the loss of light in rooms that have panels cutting off light.

I'd try tieing a piece of cardboard where the panel would go and see if I liked the impact on natural light in the home.
But I love love love lots of natural light in the daytime. Other priorities are good too.

#BalconySolar

Congrats, #NewJersey! In six months or so you'll have the right to buy an appliance that your landlord should actually be providing already. Oh and your landlord might not even let you install it anyway.
https://www.cnn.com/climate/new-jersey-balcony-solar-renters

#solar #PV #BalconySolar #landlords

The #balconysolar boom is coming to the #US
Plug-in #solarpanels are getting popular—how do we make sure they’re safe?
Balcony #solar is already popular in Europe, and proponents say that the systems could make solar power more accessible for more people in the US, including renters. As popularity rises, though, some experts caution that there are safety concerns with how balcony solar would work with existing electrical equipment in homes.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/05/07/1136933/balcony-solar-boom/
https://archive.ph/pz5l8

The #balconysolar boom is coming to the #US
Plug-in #solarpanels are getting popular—how do we make sure they’re safe?
Balcony #solar is already popular in Europe, and proponents say that the systems could make solar power more accessible for more people in the US, including renters. As popularity rises, though, some experts caution that there are safety concerns with how balcony solar would work with existing electrical equipment in homes.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/05/07/1136933/balcony-solar-boom/
https://archive.ph/pz5l8

RE: https://freiburg.social/@sbamueller/116800151256204443

So what did I tell #Hoymiles about #pluginsolar in Germany? Here is my presentation.

We have now 4-5 Mio #pluginsolar systems in 🇩🇪, there are about 5,07 Mio motorcycles, so nearly as common.

~10% of Households have #balconysolar
½ are with a battery
Mounting exists for nearly all situations:
- thick concrete balconies
- glass balconies
- walls
- fences
- flat roofs
You name it and these are getting better.
We calculate that nearly all #pluginsolar Systems are economical beneficial for the user.

RE: https://freiburg.social/@sbamueller/116800151256204443

So what did I tell #Hoymiles about #pluginsolar in Germany? Here is my presentation.

We have now 4-5 Mio #pluginsolar systems in 🇩🇪, there are about 5,07 Mio motorcycles, so nearly as common.

~10% of Households have #balconysolar
½ are with a battery
Mounting exists for nearly all situations:
- thick concrete balconies
- glass balconies
- walls
- fences
- flat roofs
You name it and these are getting better.
We calculate that nearly all #pluginsolar Systems are economical beneficial for the user.

The ‘Guerrilla Solar’ Era Has Arrived, and Here’s What to Know - Inside Climate News

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25062026/inside-clean-energy-plug-in-solar-era-has-arrived/ #solar #balconysolar #climate #energy

The ‘Guerrilla Solar’ Era Has Arrived, and Here’s What to Know - Inside Climate News

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25062026/inside-clean-energy-plug-in-solar-era-has-arrived/ #solar #balconysolar #climate #energy

We are The Backwards Place
#abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #BalconySolar #PlugInSolar #yyc #EnergyTransition #ClimateChange

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2jfr7qhenekca6f6qtjgwdr4/post/3mov2a6v2ds2y

We are The Backwards Place
#abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #BalconySolar #PlugInSolar #yyc #EnergyTransition #ClimateChange

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2jfr7qhenekca6f6qtjgwdr4/post/3mov2a6v2ds2y

Why the USA should embrace balcony solar (hint hint California!) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/14/opinion/solar-panels-balcony-backyard-plugin.html?unlocked_article_code=1.qlA.8zhp.18rojBWO23EH&smid=url-share #solar #balconysolar

On G83-Lite: Solar Nanogeneration For Everyone (2009) - Learn how plug-in solar curtain linings could trim your home power bill and footprint... #solar #balconySolar #plugInSolar #nanogeneration - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-G83-lite.html

🏷️ #USA #Solar #Energy #DIY #Green #PlugInSolar #BalconySolar

🔗 https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/plug-in-solar-electric-bill-859adcb7?st=a6GsJS&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

On G83-Lite: Solar Nanogeneration For Everyone (2009) - Learn how plug-in solar curtain linings could trim your home power bill and footprint... #solar #balconySolar #plugInSolar #nanogeneration - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-G83-lite.html