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Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them

45 points by geox

by alpaca128

2 subcomments

> So far, utilities have won over lawmakers in five states and convinced them to delay votes on plug-in solar bills
They'll change their mind once so many people use panels without permit that they cause difficulties with grid stability due to the unregistered solar panels making it less predictable. That was a reason they massively loosened the requirements where I live.

by hyperhello

1 subcomments

I love the small effects, but this is actually less efficient in the large. A power grid still has to exist, and that means transformers blow and trees knock down wires, and you are going to be billed for that. It's not that different from using a septic tank to get off the sewage grid; you might not appreciate when your neighbors all do it too.

by chaz6

0 subcomment

These are nice, but there is a risk if multiple units are plugged into an extension strip with a cord that is not large enough for the current.

by onlypassingthru

0 subcomment

No doubt the utilities are concerned about safety, the safety of their revenue stream.

by tencentshill

1 subcomments

I found it very difficult to find ANY information on google about US plug-in solar a few months ago.

by exabrial

0 subcomment