2 ms·

In Germany they allow people to install solar panels on their balconies. https://cleantechnica.com/2024/12/21/germany-embraces-balkonkraftwerke-balcony-solar-f

by raybb 9mo ago

In Germany they allow people to install solar panels on their balconies. https://cleantechnica.com/2024/12/21/germany-embraces-balkonkraftwerke-balcony-solar-for-apartments/ https://cleantechnica.com/2024/12/21/germany-embraces-balkon... Though last I looked this probably isn't feasible in the US due to differences in our electrical systems or something like that?

kachapopopow 9mo ago
in some states they're now allowing to just plug in panels without any permits up to 1.5kw so actually, no. In US specifically it's just lobbying or hurricane safety since panels flying off and creating even more debris is obviously not great.
- raybb 9mo ago
  Which states are allowing it? Also this hn comment seems to confirm it's not a tech problem just a policy one! https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43007271 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43007271
- pfdietz 9mo ago
  Specifically, Utah. I don't know if it's allowed yet in another state. In my state a law to allow such is working through the legislature right now. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8512/amendment/original https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8512/amendm...
- toomuchtodo 9mo ago
  https://www.brightsaver.org/ https://www.brightsaver.org/ is the US advocacy group advocating for balcony solar in the US. More US States Are Promoting Balcony Solar - https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/more-us-states-are-promoting-balcony-solar/ https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/more-us-states-are-prom... - December 1st, 2025 ("Earlier this year, Utah became the first state in the US to pass legislation allowing people to purchase balcony solar equipment. In other states, there are laws on the books that make balcony solar illegal, but according to The Guardian that is about to change. Bills have been introduced in the legislatures in New York and Pennsylvania that would allow people to add balcony solar to their homes. Vermont, Maryland, and New Hampshire are expected to follow soon as well.") Pennsylvania [HB 1971]: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971 https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971 | https://www.pahouse.com/Pielli/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=140820 https://www.pahouse.com/Pielli/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=140...

by raybb 9mo ago

kachapopopow 9mo ago

in some states they're now allowing to just plug in panels without any permits up to 1.5kw so actually, no. In US specifically it's just lobbying or hurricane safety since panels flying off and creating even more debris is obviously not great.

raybb 9mo ago
Which states are allowing it? Also this hn comment seems to confirm it's not a tech problem just a policy one! https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43007271 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43007271
pfdietz 9mo ago
Specifically, Utah. I don't know if it's allowed yet in another state. In my state a law to allow such is working through the legislature right now. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8512/amendment/original https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8512/amendm...
toomuchtodo 9mo ago
https://www.brightsaver.org/ https://www.brightsaver.org/ is the US advocacy group advocating for balcony solar in the US. More US States Are Promoting Balcony Solar - https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/more-us-states-are-promoting-balcony-solar/ https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/more-us-states-are-prom... - December 1st, 2025 ("Earlier this year, Utah became the first state in the US to pass legislation allowing people to purchase balcony solar equipment. In other states, there are laws on the books that make balcony solar illegal, but according to The Guardian that is about to change. Bills have been introduced in the legislatures in New York and Pennsylvania that would allow people to add balcony solar to their homes. Vermont, Maryland, and New Hampshire are expected to follow soon as well.") Pennsylvania [HB 1971]: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971 https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1971 | https://www.pahouse.com/Pielli/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=140820 https://www.pahouse.com/Pielli/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=140...