Legislation would make plug-in solar more accessible
A bill proposed to the Legislature this session could result in a small solar array being a mere plug-in away for Minnesota homeowners. The legislation would establish regulations for the installation and operation of plug-in solar devices. Also known as balcony solar, homeowners or renters could place units outside near an outlet as a way to harness solar energy and reduce energy bills.
Sen. Rob Kupec, DFL-Moorhead, the bill’s author, said in the Senate that the idea is to democratize solar and to make renewable energy more accessible.
Rep. Larry Kraft, DFL-St. Louis Park, first introduced the bill in the House. At a House Energy Finance and Policy Committee hearing in February, he estimated plug-in solar can reduce energy usage in a residence by 5% to 25%.
