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by Max Williams, WGME
AUGUSTA (WGME) — A bill now on the governor's desk could make it easier for Mainers to use smaller solar panels, with battery backups, that can plug right into a socket at your home.
The bill, introduced by Democratic Senator Nicole Grohoski, has passed the legislature and is now on Governor Janet Mills' desk for final approval.
"You won't be required to fill out a lot of complicated paperwork with the utility and pay different fees to get solar online," Grohoski said.
How does a plug-in solar panel work? It's pretty simple. All you have to do is plug the panel into a regular home outlet, and it will start generating energy.
"This is incredibly beneficial for everyone in Maine, because the costs associated with installing solar are much lower when you can do it through a plug-in solar system,” A Climate to Thrive member Beth Wolfolk said.
The goal is to help reduce energy costs. The Office of the Maine Public Advocate says in some cases, the panel can reduce costs by nearly 20 percent.
The bill would also allow, in addition to the solar panel, a backup battery power pack when the sun is not out.
"You don't need a $50,000 rooftop array to save $100 a month,” Craftstrom Solar Co-Founder Michael Sherer said.
Houston-based company Craftstrom Solar makes both plug-in solar panels and battery packs. Sherer says both products should be a no-brainer for Mainers.
"For the first time, solar is really here for the customers and only for the customers, not for the financing institution," Sherer said.
Sherer says panels can cost anywhere from $600 to as much as $5,000, depending on the number of watts you get.
If the bill is passed, it will come with some restrictions:
"They're portable, so you can invest in your own renewable energy and be able to take it with you if you change your residence, so it's great for renters and just makes ownership a lot more accessible for people," Wolfolk said.
According to the bill, any homeowner who gets a panel or battery pack cannot use it to sell energy back to the grid or participate in any net energy billing.
CBS13 asked Mills Friday if she would approve of the bill. We have not heard back.
"Maine being a leader in this, I think is going to be really great for our communities," Grohoski said.
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