Electric rates and the pollution caused by utility coal and gas plants are major problems. Our electric rates are increasing at twice the rate of inflation¹, and inflation is already too high. Coal and gas plants operated by utilities emit fine particulate matter that contributes to heart disease and asthma, as well as dangerous chemicals like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, which are linked to cancer².
Solar energy costs about one-third as much as coal and is equal to or slightly less expensive than gas³. While no form of energy is completely pollution-free, solar is safer for both our bodies and our planet. Methane gas power plants generate eight times more climate-warming emissions per kWh than solar³ (including manufacturing, transportation, and decommissioning). Coal plants cause 100 times more deaths per kWh from accidents and air pollution than solar⁴.
Solar energy capacity in the U.S. grew by 14% last year and has increased sevenfold over the past decade⁵. Despite this growth, solar is still not accessible to all residential customers. Few renters can install solar panels on their roofs, and some homeowners cannot afford the upfront cost of a rooftop system, which can range from $10,000 to $30,000. Others are hesitant because they do not fully understand the technology or how it might affect their lifestyle.
Plug-in solar offers an affordable way for more residential customers to explore this cost-saving solution. Sometimes called “balcony solar,” these systems are easily installed on a balcony or patio. They include a DC/AC inverter that allows them to be plugged into a standard outlet. No electrician is required for installation. Some systems can also be connected to small batteries that store excess energy generated during the day for use at night. Safety is ensured with systems that meet the standards of Underwriters Laboratories and the National Electrical Code.
These plug-in systems can cost as little as $600 to $2,000. They typically generate around 1,200 watts—enough to power a refrigerator or a room air conditioner. Consumers report savings of $200 to $400 per year, meaning these systems can pay for themselves in two to five years⁶.
Plug-in solar is growing nationwide. It is currently a $3.5 billion market and is expected to grow to $10.2 billion within the next 10 years⁷. Michigan has been slow to adopt this simple solution for lowering energy bills with clean, carbon-free power. One reason for this delay is that the law is unclear regarding consumer rights to install plug-in solar panels. Maine and Utah have passed legislation clarifying that consumers can install these systems without utility permission. Seven other states, including Colorado, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Maryland, have proposed similar laws, with at least one legislative chamber approving them.
Legislation has been introduced in the Michigan Legislature to support the adoption of plug-in solar for residential consumers. Please call your state senator and ask them to support Senate Bills 731 and 732. If you do not know who your state senator is, you can find them at https://www.senate.michigan.gov/
Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in the growth of clean solar energy. Everyone deserves the ability to lower their energy bills. Even small steps can help solve a big problem. Let’s let our elected officials know that we want control over our electric bills, that we want to reduce our carbon footprint, and that we want to improve the health of our communities.
Reference:
1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2026/02/13/electricity-bills-got-more-
expensive-in-2025-despite-trumps-promise-to-reduce-utility-costs/
2. https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/fossil-fuel-racism/#h-2-fossil-fuels-and-air-pollutants
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_of_electricity_by_source
4. https://ourworldindata.org/safest-sources-of-energy
5. https://www.climatecentral.org/report/solar-and-wind-power-2024
6. https://solarunitedneighbors.org/resources/what-to-know-about-plug-in-solar/
7. https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/plug-and-play-solar-system-market