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Balcony solar bill dies in Illinois after union voices opposition (www.canarymedia.com)

submitted 3 weeks ago by silence7@slrpnk.net to c/usa@midwest.social

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Legislation to open the door for small plug-in solar panels hit roadblocks, including safety concerns raised by the state’s electrical workers union

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[–] henfredemars 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

An amendment filed in February would have prohibited any plug-in solar systems greater than 391 watts until the National Electrical Code, a widely used set of safety standards, is updated to include these arrays — a move that is not scheduled until late 2028.

I feel like I appreciate both sides of this argument, but I feel like the safety argument comes too late. Consumers already use quite a few uncertified electronic devices in their homes. They can order these things off the Internet.

I think the proliferation of devices that don’t make safety standards ought to be addressed as a separate issue.

I also tend to agree with lawmakers that argue that balcony solar doesn’t compete witch rooftop solar. In fact, I think it could even be a gateway drug of sorts, as it brings in more potential customers into the market who wouldn’t otherwise have considered a complete solar system once they can see the potential for greater benefits.