Solar power

NPR - Easy-to-install solar panels that plug into regular outlets are gaining popularity as Americans worry about rising energy costs. These plug-in or balcony solar panels can reduce a homeowner's or renter's utility bill right away. To make them more widely available in the U.S., state lawmakers are proposing bills to eliminate complicated utility connection agreements. These are often required for larger solar rooftop installations, and most utilities say they should apply to plug-in solar too. But some legislators have delayed votes on these bills after electric utilities have raised safety concerns, primarily about lineworker safety during outages. Advocates for plug-in solar say concerns about the new technology have been addressed, and utilities are actually worried about losing business.