Oregon lawmakers propose guidelines for balcony solar panels
As more Oregon residents install small-scale home-based solar systems, state lawmakers are considering a proposal that would establish guidelines for balcony solar panels. It would also make it easier for residents to connect these devices to their homes without having to sign an agreement with a utility. Currently, there are limited state regulations, but House Bill 4080 will address this.
Balcony solar, or plug-in solar, systems are smaller solar panel installations that can be placed in areas surrounding a home or apartment that get the best light. They can help generate enough energy to power smaller items in a home, such as a refrigerator. While they are not designed to power the whole home, they are easy to install and can reduce electric bills by up to 30%, depending on the size of the system.
