#pluginsolar — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #pluginsolar, aggregated by home.social.
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#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, 2026Excerpt: "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.htmlArchived version:
https://archive.ph/0yRS2#SolarPunkSunday #BackyardSolar #Renewables #SolarEnergy #BalconySolar #RenewablesNow
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#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, 2026Excerpt: "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.htmlArchived version:
https://archive.ph/0yRS2#SolarPunkSunday #BackyardSolar #Renewables #SolarEnergy #BalconySolar #RenewablesNow
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The battery in my #PluginSolar system is good for something. This is July 2026.
I might have had to rely less on storage, if I had a working #smartMeter, but with only #smartPlug|s to control the inverter, it’s essential.
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RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/117042037532446097
There are more #pluginsolar systems in Germany than registered motorcycles!
🏍️ < ☀️🔌 ! -
RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/117042037532446097
There are more #pluginsolar systems in Germany than registered motorcycles!
🏍️ < ☀️🔌 ! -
#NewZealand’s Ministry for Regulation has recommended legalising #pluginsolar!
https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2026/08/03/new-zealand-looks-to-legalise-plug-in-solar/
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#NewZealand’s Ministry for Regulation has recommended legalising #pluginsolar!
https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2026/08/03/new-zealand-looks-to-legalise-plug-in-solar/
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#Americans listen:
- #pluginsolar inverters have caused 0 lineworker injuries
- 35 US states + D.C. have introduced #pluginpv bills
- reduces ~30% of a household’s annual electric bill
- barrier is regulations legislation is needed to stop utilities, HOAs, landlords from stopping 🫵 you!
https://cleanenergy.org/news/plug-in-solar-is-safe-affordable-and-ready-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
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#Americans listen:
- #pluginsolar inverters have caused 0 lineworker injuries
- 35 US states + D.C. have introduced #pluginpv bills
- reduces ~30% of a household’s annual electric bill
- barrier is regulations legislation is needed to stop utilities, HOAs, landlords from stopping 🫵 you!
https://cleanenergy.org/news/plug-in-solar-is-safe-affordable-and-ready-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
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The AC is using a lot more energy today to keep the house nice and cool compared to yesterday.
Almost consumes the entire #pluginsolar energy (800 Watts limit here in Germany).
The sensors claim it is nearly 37°C outside 🥵
#heatwave -
The AC is using a lot more energy today to keep the house nice and cool compared to yesterday.
Almost consumes the entire #pluginsolar energy (800 Watts limit here in Germany).
The sensors claim it is nearly 37°C outside 🥵
#heatwave -
I wrote a little rant about the American #pluginsolar safety concerns, the fact that now there are #UL3700 certified micro inverters.
Yes there is stuff such as anti islanding, safety comparisons with diesel generators are not to the point.
https://sbamueller.com/2026/08/02/a-little-rant-about-american-pluginsolar-safety-concerns/
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I wrote a little rant about the American #pluginsolar safety concerns, the fact that now there are #UL3700 certified micro inverters.
Yes there is stuff such as anti islanding, safety comparisons with diesel generators are not to the point.
https://sbamueller.com/2026/08/02/a-little-rant-about-american-pluginsolar-safety-concerns/
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Plug-in solar is coming. Plug-in batteries should follow
https://www.regen.co.uk/insights/plug-in-solar-is-coming-plug-in-batteries-should-follow
Comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49140633
#HackerNews #pluginsolar #solarenergy #renewableenergy #batteries #cleanenergy
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Plug-in solar is coming. Plug-in batteries should follow
https://www.regen.co.uk/insights/plug-in-solar-is-coming-plug-in-batteries-should-follow
Comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49140633
#HackerNews #pluginsolar #solarenergy #renewableenergy #batteries #cleanenergy
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Article is from a couple months ago, but it turns out plug-in solar in TN is dependent on the local electric company more than TVA approval or state law.
Now to get someone on NES on the phone to figure out the process in #Nashville.
https://cleanenergy.org/news/this-tennessee-couple-plugs-into-solar-one-outlet-at-a-time/
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Article is from a couple months ago, but it turns out plug-in solar in TN is dependent on the local electric company more than TVA approval or state law.
Now to get someone on NES on the phone to figure out the process in #Nashville.
https://cleanenergy.org/news/this-tennessee-couple-plugs-into-solar-one-outlet-at-a-time/
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"Plug-in solar lets anyone hang a few panels in the sunlight and send the power straight into their wall sockets to partially offset their utility bill.
It extends the benefits of clean energy, a little bit at a time, to renters and anyone else who hasn’t been able to access traditional rooftop solar."
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/balcony-solar-for-sale-us
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"Plug-in solar lets anyone hang a few panels in the sunlight and send the power straight into their wall sockets to partially offset their utility bill.
It extends the benefits of clean energy, a little bit at a time, to renters and anyone else who hasn’t been able to access traditional rooftop solar."
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/balcony-solar-for-sale-us
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RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/116976882525333109
#Pluginsolar with a battery gives consumers the ability to be more resilient: especially in scenarios as described by the Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency (Huoltovarmuuskeskus):
“The Finnish electricity system is in a state of major disruption. Large parts of the country are intermittently in darkness. Efforts are being made to manage the power shortage through intermittent power outages. Recovery assessments are complicated by the possibility of new outages.”
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RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/116976882525333109
#Pluginsolar with a battery gives consumers the ability to be more resilient: especially in scenarios as described by the Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency (Huoltovarmuuskeskus):
“The Finnish electricity system is in a state of major disruption. Large parts of the country are intermittently in darkness. Efforts are being made to manage the power shortage through intermittent power outages. Recovery assessments are complicated by the possibility of new outages.”
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On GB/UK Solar PV FiTs and Plug-in Solar (2026) - Can you add plug-in solar to an existing system with Feed-in Tariff? #solar #plugInSolar #FiT - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-GB-FiT-and-plug-in-solar.html
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On GB/UK Solar PV FiTs and Plug-in Solar (2026) - Can you add plug-in solar to an existing system with Feed-in Tariff? #solar #plugInSolar #FiT - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-GB-FiT-and-plug-in-solar.html
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We have written (again) to the Ministries of Environment and Economics and to members of the #Eduskunta of #Finland to demand that the government implements @EUCommission Recommendation 1007/2026 and legalise #pluginsolar!
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We have written (again) to the Ministries of Environment and Economics and to members of the #Eduskunta of #Finland to demand that the government implements @EUCommission Recommendation 1007/2026 and legalise #pluginsolar!
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RE: https://ecoevo.social/@thenorfolkcoast/116970248602657409
does anybody know if #pluginSolar bought in Germany will also work in the UK (with the appropriate plug adapter)?
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RE: https://ecoevo.social/@thenorfolkcoast/116970248602657409
does anybody know if #pluginSolar bought in Germany will also work in the UK (with the appropriate plug adapter)?
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“ UK households free to install plug-in balcony solar panels from end of August”
Ooooo! :) That’s much quicker than I was expecting!
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“ UK households free to install plug-in balcony solar panels from end of August”
Ooooo! :) That’s much quicker than I was expecting!
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RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/116952380331512175
The “The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026” has been laid before #UK Parliament on 17 July, and comes into force 27 August 2026.
Timeline: https://statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk/instrument/55MNIVxj/timeline/sGUedrlE
Instrument: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/848/made
As it is a “Negative procedure” Parliament is not required to approve the statutory instrument for it to become law but either the House of Commons or the House of Lords could pass a motion with 40 days to annul the statutory instrument, which stops it having legal effect.
The last time that happend was in 1979. (see: https://guidetoprocedure.parliament.uk/collections/PtBJuBiU/negative-procedure)
—> Which means #pluginsolar should be legalised before the end of the Summer in the #UnitedKingdom!
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RE: https://freiburg.social/@balkonsolar/116952380331512175
The “The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026” has been laid before #UK Parliament on 17 July, and comes into force 27 August 2026.
Timeline: https://statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk/instrument/55MNIVxj/timeline/sGUedrlE
Instrument: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/848/made
As it is a “Negative procedure” Parliament is not required to approve the statutory instrument for it to become law but either the House of Commons or the House of Lords could pass a motion with 40 days to annul the statutory instrument, which stops it having legal effect.
The last time that happend was in 1979. (see: https://guidetoprocedure.parliament.uk/collections/PtBJuBiU/negative-procedure)
—> Which means #pluginsolar should be legalised before the end of the Summer in the #UnitedKingdom!
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"The government recognises that some respondents would prefer mandatory inspections,
professional installation or dedicated circuits [...] However,
we do not consider these requirements proportionate..."
Well said @energygovuk!
#basedUK #pluginsolar
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a58dd1e24d4d0ad06d945e1/plug-in-solar-government-response-july-2026.pdf -
We have written to the #Greek Energy Minister regarding the proposed regulation about the use of #pluginsolar.
It is good that there is a proposal to legalise it but we are concerned about the details of this proposed Greek regulation.
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We have written to the #Greek Energy Minister regarding the proposed regulation about the use of #pluginsolar.
It is good that there is a proposal to legalise it but we are concerned about the details of this proposed Greek regulation.
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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.
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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.
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Irish Times: “Craig Morris of the German Association of #PluginSolar said one in 10 German households now had plug-in solar.
“irelandman firefighters’ association and insurance firms have said there is no increased risk from plug-in solar,” he said.”
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Irish Times: “Craig Morris of the German Association of #PluginSolar said one in 10 German households now had plug-in solar.
“irelandman firefighters’ association and insurance firms have said there is no increased risk from plug-in solar,” he said.”
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On GB/UK Solar PV FiTs and Plug-in Solar (2026) - Can you add plug-in solar to an existing system with Feed-in Tariff? #solar #plugInSolar #FiT - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-GB-FiT-and-plug-in-solar.html
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On GB/UK Solar PV FiTs and Plug-in Solar (2026) - Can you add plug-in solar to an existing system with Feed-in Tariff? #solar #plugInSolar #FiT - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-GB-FiT-and-plug-in-solar.html
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#today I should do more admin and #research but also I'm going to prep some ideas for adding a little bit of #plugInSolar now that our #FiT provider gave us the all-clear. I'd like to bolster our mid-winter generation, when we use the most electricity (for space heating).
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#today I should do more admin and #research but also I'm going to prep some ideas for adding a little bit of #plugInSolar now that our #FiT provider gave us the all-clear. I'd like to bolster our mid-winter generation, when we use the most electricity (for space heating).
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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?
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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?
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Any recommendations to a VERY easy to work with plug in solar setup?
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@smallsolar #agrivoltaics! Partial shading with (#bifacial) #PV, possibly #plugInSolar if it appears this month?
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@smallsolar #agrivoltaics! Partial shading with (#bifacial) #PV, possibly #plugInSolar if it appears this month?
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On GB/UK Solar PV FiTs and Plug-in Solar (2026) - Can you add plug-in solar to an existing system with Feed-in Tariff? #solar #plugInSolar #FiT - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-GB-FiT-and-plug-in-solar.html
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On GB/UK Solar PV FiTs and Plug-in Solar (2026) - Can you add plug-in solar to an existing system with Feed-in Tariff? #solar #plugInSolar #FiT - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-GB-FiT-and-plug-in-solar.html
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Happy #FourthofJuly to you.
Remember to legalise #pluginsolar, you #Americans invented this while solar cell stuff back in 1954.
(Image: Bell Laboratories image of the first panel and first cells from the solar power museum)
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Happy #FourthofJuly to you.
Remember to legalise #pluginsolar, you #Americans invented this while solar cell stuff back in 1954.
(Image: Bell Laboratories image of the first panel and first cells from the solar power museum)