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For all his bleating, braying bluster over fossil fuels, US President Donald Trump is presiding over a solar power revolution. On his watch, a total of nine states have now adopted balcony solar legislation, with New Jersey being the latest addition to the list. Balcony solar kits plug into ordinary household outlets just like any other home appliance — but instead of sucking electricity out, they reduce monthly utility bills by pumping free electricity from the sun back into household wiring.
Rooftop Solar Good, Balcony Solar Also Good
Balcony solar is shorthand for plug-and-play solar kits that can be hung or placed anywhere sunlight is available, including fencing and patios as well as balconies. Unlike rooftop solar systems, balcony solar kits can simply be unplugged and transported whenever a household moves, like any other portable appliance.
Rooftop solar systems are typically grid-connected, enabling owners to sell their solar-generated electricity back to their local utility. That option is not available to balcony solar owners. Still, balcony solar has the potential to provide direct access to solar energy for whole new populations including millions of renters who are unable to install their own rooftop solar systems, along with households in multi-unit condominiums and co-ops. Plug-and-play solar is also an option for property owners with limited, shaded, or otherwise unsuitable roof space for rooftop solar systems (see more plug-and-play solar background here).
