At least 22 states in the U.S. are considering legislation allowing what some refer to as “balcony solar” and Oklahoma is among them.
Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-OKC, calls it the Plug-in Solar Act and it recently won approval in the state House on a vote of 88-4. It had earlier been given a Do Pass recommendation on a 14-0 vote by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“HB 4060 the plug-in solar act enables behind the meter for Oklahoma residents, so if a portable solar generation device generates less than 1.2 kilowatts connects to the standard outlets and complies with national safety standards, it won’t have to be complying with certain often times burdensome regulations from the Corporation Commission and electric utilities,” explained Rep. Alonso-Sandoval when his bill went before the full House.
The bill was sent to the Senate where it has been referred to the Senate Energy Committee.
Canary Media reports that balcony solar “is one of the hottest ideas in renewable energy right now.” Supporters contend that DIY kits can be plugged right into a standard outlet and save users money without any need for government incentives, utility permission or subsidies.
“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,” reported Canary Media.
Maine jumps on the issue
The state of Maine is already ahead of Oklahoma in approving what Rep. Alonso-Sandoval calls the plug-in solar act. Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed her state’s plug-in solar bill into law on April 6.
Lawmakers in Vermont and New Hampshire are also looking into welcoming these systems, which have already taken off in Europe. More than a million such units have been deployed in Germany.
“Generating renewable energy here in Maine is the quickest and most reliable way to buffer against our dependence on fossil fuels that is driving up electricity prices,” said Rebecca Schultz, senior advocate for climate and clean energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “As Mainers, we value self-reliance, and plug-in solar is one practical way we can help put affordable energy directly in the hands of more people across the state, allowing everyone from renters to lower-income households a simple way to take advantage of the cheapest energy on the planet.”
During an earlier House discussion, Rep. Gary Friedmann (D-Bar Harbor) said the bill prohibits units that generate more than 1,200 watts, leaving users with enough power to run an electric hair dryer or lights in a garage.
“This is an exciting and promising technology that complements Maine’s independent spirit, frees ratepayers from the volatility of fossil fuels, and promotes a frugal self sufficiency that has kept us strong,” he said.
The Maine Morning Star reported the plug-in balcony solar units have already taken off in Europe and more than a million such units have been deployed in Germany.
“Generating renewable energy here in Maine is the quickest and most reliable way to buffer against our dependence on fossil fuels that is driving up electricity prices,” said Rebecca Schultz, senior advocate for climate and clean energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “As Mainers, we value self-reliance, and plug-in solar is one practical way we can help put affordable energy directly in the hands of more people across the state, allowing everyone from renters to lower-income households a simple way to take advantage of the cheapest energy on the planet.”