"More than two dozen states are considering bills that would make it easier for households to adopt plug-in solar arrays. Illinois could be next to pass one."
"Illinois could soon follow in the footsteps of Utah and Virginia with a law allowing plug-in solar arrays, often called “balcony solar.”
A bill that would make it simpler to install plug-in solar passed out of the state legislature’s Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on March 12. It’s now scheduled for a hearing in the full Senate, and a House committee on utilities is also considering the bill. Advocates are hopeful that the measure will pass both Democratic-controlled chambers this legislative session, which runs through the end of May, and then be signed by the state’s Democratic governor, JB Pritzker.
People are already plugging in these kinds of off-the-shelf small solar arrays to help power their homes, experts say. But legislation would ensure that more people can access the cost-saving clean power. Illinois’ bill would mandate that utilities allow people to plug in solar systems of up to 1,200 watts, without interconnection agreements, fees, or other barriers. That’s about enough energy to run a refrigerator and a few other appliances."
Kari Lydersen reports for Canary Media March 19, 2026.
