#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

#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