Thu July 2026, Stephan Scherer
New Hampshire’s plug‑in solar law: what NHPR’s story means for homeowners and renters
New Hampshire has enacted SB 540, establishing a regulatory framework for portable "plug-in solar" devices. This law mandates compliance with safety standards, directs the Department of Energy to provide consumer guidance, and aims to clarify the use of such devices for residents. Consumers are advised to use certified equipment and ensure proper installation.
Thu July 2026, Stephan Scherer
Balcony Solar in the U.S.: What Canary Media’s “Bright Saver Deal” Gets Right (and What to Check Before You Buy)
Balcony solar, or plug-in solar, offers an accessible way for renters to reduce electricity costs without rooftop installations. Consumers should prioritize safety and compliance over price. CraftStrom provides UL-certified equipment, a clear installation process, and app monitoring to ensure effective use and savings from these systems.
Thu July 2026, Stephan Scherer
Plug‑In Solar in Utah: What You Can (and Can’t) Expect for Savings, Safety, and Setup
Plug‑in solar can reduce your bill, but it won’t eliminate it. In Utah, portable plug‑in solar is getting attention because it can be lower-cost and DIY-friendly—but safety and compliance matter. Utah law defines a “portable solar generation device” with requirements like a 1,200‑watt maximum and UL (or equivalent) certification, and KUTV highlights why buyers should avoid uncertified “parts bundles” and follow manufacturer instructions.
Fri May 2026, Stephan Scherer
Plug-in solar needs smarter rules
This post summarizes an article co-authored by Jigar Shah and CraftStrom CEO Stephan Scherer. Read the full piece on LinkedIn here. Plug‑in solar is having a moment in the U.S. For the first time, multiple states are actively debating how to treat small, consumer-installed solar systems—sometimes called balcony solar or plug‑and‑play solar. That’s great news for energy affordability, because plug‑in solar can help ...
Fri May 2026, Stephan Scherer
Is plug-in solar safe?
Yes—plug-in solar is safe when it uses a UL 1741–certified, grid-interactive microinverter and is installed as intended. The safety story is not “trust us.” It’s a combination of (1) hardware that automatically shuts down during outages (anti-islanding), (2) decades of safe inverter-based solar deployment, and (3) a clear contrast with portable gas/diesel generators, which have a documented history of dangerous backfeed when connected improperly. This ...
Fri May 2026, Stephan Scherer
US Plug‑In Solar Legislation Tracker
Last updated: June 16, 2026 Bills Signed: 7 Bills Awaiting Signature: 2 Bills Pending: 26 This page tracks state plug‑in solar laws and active bills (sometimes called “balcony solar”). It’s written for consumers first: what changed, what it means for you, and where to read the official text. Important: Plug‑in solar bills are often misunderstood. In most cases, these laws don’t “make plug‑in solar ...
Thu May 2026, Stephan Scherer
Plug-In Solar in the U.S.: A Simple Guide to Safety, Savings, and State Rules
If you are hearing more about plug-in solar, here is the simple version: it is a small solar system (typically 400 – 2400W) designed to help power part of your home during the day by feeding solar power directly into an outdoor outlet. Some people also call it balcony solar, but in the U.S. the clearer term is usually plug-in solar. For many ...
Tue November 2024, Stephan Scherer
Georgia
Georgia’s net metering program for Georgia Power customers was a limited pilot program, capped at 5,000 participants or 32 megawatts (MW) of capacity, whichever was reached first. This cap was met in July 2021, and the program ceased accepting new participants. After reaching the cap, new solar customers are compensated under a Solar Avoided Cost rate, which is lower than ...
Tue November 2024, Stephan Scherer
Solar for All: Making Clean Energy Affordable for Everyone
Switching to solar energy can feel like a dream for many families—lower bills, clean energy, and the satisfaction of reducing your carbon footprint. But for some, it’s a dream that feels out of reach, especially for low-income households and communities that have historically been overlooked when it comes to clean energy opportunities. That’s where the Solar for All initiative comes ...
Tue November 2024, Stephan Scherer
Breaking Through the Red Tape: Solar Permitting in the U.S.
As the adoption of solar energy in the United States accelerates, one hurdle still slows the race toward clean energy: permitting. While advances in solar technology have made installations faster and more cost-effective, the permitting process often lags, delaying projects and frustrating stakeholders. Promised approval times frequently fall short of reality, but recent initiatives are working to bridge the gap. ...
