In some states, you can now plug solar panels into your wall

Skip to content (Image credit: AP Photo / KT Kanazawich) Transcript: When you buy a new refrigerator, you can just plug it in and start using it. And in a growing number of states, installing a couple of solar panels is getting almost as easy. Plug-in solar systems connect to a normal outlet and feed electricity directly to your home. Liz Veazey is with the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Veazey: “We’re excited about plug-in solar helping increase access for folks who couldn’t do rooftop solar. … Maybe they’re a renter in an apartment building, or their roof is really shaded, but maybe they have a porch … where they could put some plug-in panels.” Plug-in systems are small, usually just two or three panels. But an installation of that size can still cut utility bills by a few hundred dollars a year. Veazey: “So a really simple way to lower your energy bills with solar.” Plug-in solar is still uncommon in the U.S. because most states do not yet have a legal framework to regulate these small systems. But that’s changing. More than eight states have passed policies that permit and regulate plug-in solar systems. And in several other states, bills have been introduced. So soon, more people will be able to plug in a solar panel and start generating clean energy at home. Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media