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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Oliver Milman

Power surge: law changes could soon bring balcony solar to millions across US

a man squats next to solar panels in a backyard
A man assembles plug-in solar panel kit at his home in Houston, Texas, on 5 August 2025. Photograph: David J Phillip/AP

Acquiring solar panels at home can be an expensive hassle for people in the US. But small, simple, plug-in solar panels for use on balconies are soon to become available for millions of Americans, with advocates hoping the technology will quickly go mainstream.

Earlier this year, Utah became the first state in the country to pass legislation allowing people to purchase and install small, portable solar panels that plug into a standard wall socket.

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