QUINCY (WGEM) – Solar technology may be finding its way into new spaces, and new power outlets, across Illinois.
If passed, Senate Bill 3104 would pave the way for plug-in solar panels, which can plug directly into a standard wall outlet, to become a more common sight in Illinois.
Lawmakers backing SB 3104 hope the plug-and-play panels will ease utility costs by pushing power back into the home.
“By providing a plug-in solar unit, it wouldn’t fuel your entire home, but it could offset your energy costs, and so you might be able to put it on your back balcony or the side of your house that faces south that doesn’t have a tree blocking it, for example, and provide a little bit of relief,” explained Sen. Rachel Ventura (D), who sponsored the bill.
The bill would exempt plug-in solar panels from interconnection requirements with utility companies, while preventing landlords, homeowner’s associations and similar groups from restricting or banning their use.
Similar bills have been introduced in 34 states, but some have met opposition.
In the Gem City, Quincy Fire Chief Steve Salrin is skeptical.
“Anything that gets pushed through legislation this quickly, and without the ability for organizations and… power companies and things like that to vet it, is concerning to me,” Salrin explained.
Salrin is most concerned about people connecting the panels to wall outlets with extension cords, increasing the risk of a fire. He also wants clarification on if plug-in systems would pose a threat to first responders after they’ve cut power to a home in an emergency.
“How can I be assured that it’s not backfeeding power into that system, and [at] what voltage or what wattage, to the point it could injure one of our personnel?” he said, later adding, “[The energy is] going exactly opposite of how we anticipate it being… [I have a] whole lot of questions.”
If the bill passes, Salrin advises residents to do their research and make sure their unit is certified by UL Solutions or a similarly accredited testing lab.
“If it has that stamp, it’s probably ok, but I would advise not to just jump on the first thing they see,” he said.
UL Solutions launched a testing and certification framework for plug-in solar units back in January. A unit must be certified to comply with the new bill in Illinois.
Plug-in solar units have already hit the mainstream in Germany, where more than 1.2 million units are registered.
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