Purchasing solar panels for your home is usually a… An expensive and cumbersome procedure in the United States. But legal change moving quickly in several states could change that dynamic: Millions of Americans will soon be able to use small, portable solar panels that… They are installed on balconies and connected directly to a common socket. Proponents believe this simple, cheap technology has the potential to become a tremendous energy-saving tool.
Earlier this year, Utah became the first state in the country to pass legislation allowing residents to do so Purchase and install portable solar panels That works plugged into a standard outlet. When installed on balconies or patios, these devices can generate enough electricity to power essential appliances — such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, or Wi-Fi — without having to draw power from the grid.
Technology known as “sun terrace” They are already popular in countries such as Germany, where more than a million homes use them. But in the United States, its expansion has been slowed by state regulations that have limited the installation of panels without formal agreements with utility companies. That scenario appears to be changing: Lawmakers in New York and Pennsylvania have introduced bills to replicate Utah’s model, while Vermont, Maryland and New Hampshire are poised to follow the same path.
“Additional solar energy is a powerful tool to save Energy independence and affordability “For the millions of people today who are excluded from the solar economy,” said New York State Sen. Liz Krueger, a promoter of one of the projects. According to Krueger, the legal change will be a “dramatic change for renters, low-income people, and anyone who cannot afford to install panels on a roof.”
at least It is possible that five more states will join in the coming months. According to Kevin Chu, executive director of Bright Saver, a non-profit organization that encourages the adoption of solar panels on porches. “There is a lot of interest in this matter,” he added. “The federal administration has been so hostile to clean energy that many states have asked: What can we do?” This is one of those answers.”
Porch panels work similarly to larger solar systems, but on a smaller scale. They capture sunlight and, using a small reflector, convert it into energy that is injected directly into a home socket. They are more compact than traditional panels and can be installed without specialistsAnd even secure them with plastic ties to the fence or balcony structures. In Germany it costs about $300. Models with built-in batteries can cost $1,500 or more and can power equipment after dark.
While the power generated is not enough for a large, heavily air-conditioned home or to charge an electric car, Yes, it can cover most of the needs of a person who lives alone. “This is not a comprehensive solution, it may reduce emissions by 5%,” Zhou explained. “But it’s something that’s easy to do, convenient and saves money. At a time when there are so few climate-positive developments, this is real.”
The main obstacle to this technology has been state regulations that require anyone who generates electricity on their own to sign an agreement with the electric company to manage surpluses. Typically, contractors must install the panels and pass inspections, an expensive process that explains why only 7% of American homes have solar panels on their roofs, a much lower percentage than countries like Australia, where a third of homes have them.
In Utah, Republican legislator Raymond Ward decided to act after reading about porch panels and concluding that only a minor change in state law was needed. Your suggestion is exempt Those generating less than 1.2 kilowatts must sign agreements with electricity companies. “The law says if you put one electron back into the grid you need a contract, which is ridiculous,” Ward said. “No one opposed it. I’m sure at least 10 other legislatures will introduce a similar bill in 2026.”
While managing Donald Trump As efforts to limit solar and wind projects continue, and some utilities tighten barriers for fear of losing revenue, changes to mandates could open an alternative path to clean energy. For millions of Americans, especially renters and low-income families, this could mean for the first time being able to generate their own electricity from their balcony.