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Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them (www.npr.org)
submitted 2 weeks ago by fuzzyfirefox@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[-] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 10 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

not true, you still need to apply to the utility to export to the grid.

https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/customer-generation.html

And presumably new legislation is looking to have this exception as well.

why "presumably"?

[-] artyom@piefed.social 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Your link doesn't mention anything about "balcony solar". And these systems are not supposed to export to the grid anyway.

why "presumably"?

Because the whole point is to make solar easier and more affordable?

[-] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 9 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Your link doesn’t mention anything about “balcony solar”.

"Application process for rooftop solar and other smaller systems". If you want to export power to the grid from anything at all, you must go through this process. If you wanted to export power from a hamster on a wheel you must apply for PTO.

Because the whole point is to make solar easier and more affordable?

of course, but not at the cost of safety and grid reliability.

[-] artyom@piefed.social 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Again, "other small systems" does not mean "balcony solar". It could just mean ground-mount systems. Everything I've found says it's not required. I challenge you to find the opposite.

Effective March 2025, systems under 1.2kW are generally exempt from traditional building permits and utility interconnection agreements with providers like Rocky Mountain Power .

Balcony solar is pretty much “plug and play.” Depending on the state/municipality/utility rules, users can install it themselves and don’t have to jump through all the permitting and contractual hoops or pay electricians in order to get it up and running like homeowners who install rooftop solar do

https://cechouston.org/2025/10/21/balcony-solar-something-new-under-the-sun/

E: downboats for facts, I guess

[-] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

downvotes because your facts are misinterpreted. This entire discussion is about exporting to the grid. All this legislation does is allow you to use balcony solar for yourself; NOT connecting it to the grid. If you want to export to the grid (like to participate in net metering) you still need PTO.

[-] artyom@piefed.social 1 points 2 weeks ago

You're literally the only person talking about exporting to the grid. This discussion is about preventing exporting to the grid.

this post was submitted on 12 Mar 2026
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