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By Canary Media
By Canary Media
Canary Media
This article was originally published on April 6, 2026, and last updated on April 7, 2026.
Balcony solar is one of the hottest ideas in renewable energy right now. Boosters say the systems — DIY kits that can be plugged right into a standard outlet — save users money without any need for subsidies, government incentives, or utility permission.
As Americans continue to struggle with soaring power prices, about half the states in the U.S. are considering legislation to pave the way for residents to adopt plug-in solar and start generating some of their own electricity from their own backyard or porch.
“It’s about energy affordability,” said Cora Stryker, co-founder of Bright Saver, a nonprofit that promotes plug-in solar. “Every legislator wants their constituency to have less trouble meeting their energy demands.”
As these efforts work their way through the legislative process, we will be monitoring the action here, using information from Bright Saver and bill-tracking databases.
Latest action: Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) signed the state’s plug-in solar bill into law on April 6.
Know of a balcony solar update that’s not on the map yet? Fill us in. Reach out to [email protected].
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Sarah Shemkus is a reporter at Canary Media who is based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and covers New England.
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