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: May 14, 2026 Bills Signed: 2 Bills Enacted: 3 Bills Pending: 31 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 legal.” Electrical ...

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. ...

Fri November 2024, Stephan Scherer

Texas

Utilities and Solar Permitting Processes Net Metering: State Incentives: Permitting/Interconnection: Net Metering Rates Texas lacks a statewide net metering policy; compensation rates are determined by individual utilities and Retail Electric Providers (REPs). This results in a wide range of rates: Utility-Specific Rates: Note: These rates are subject to change based on market conditions and specific REP offerings. What Are REPs ...

Fri November 2024, Stephan Scherer

Florida

Utilities and Solar Permitting Processes Net Metering: State Incentives: Permitting/Interconnection: Ranking by Net Metering Benefits: Florida has a statewide net metering policy for investor-owned utilities, but municipal utilities and electric cooperatives may have different policies. Key Municipal Utilities and Their Policies: Note: Policies can vary among municipal utilities, so it’s advisable to consult the specific utility for detailed information.

Fri November 2024, Stephan Scherer

Delaware

Net Metering Policy Key Utilities and Their Net Metering Policies State Incentives Permitting and Interconnection