DIY balcony solar gains traction in New England

Six New England states are considering bills to legalize plug-in balcony solar kits that connect to a standard outlet (up to 1,200 watts), enabling renters and homeowners to cut energy bills without rooftop installs. The proposals vary by state but generally require safety certification and would remove interconnection requirements, with Maine nearing final passage and NH, VT, MA, CT, and RI at different stages. Kit prices are around $3 per watt and could fall as adoption grows, and supporters say the policy has bipartisan appeal and little fiscal impact. The push underscores high regional energy costs and a national trend toward DIY solar.