Balcony solar coming to Hawaii, new laws or not

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Hawaii lawmakers are considering legislation to make it easier for apartment owners and renters to install solar panels on their balconies or backyards.

The technology, called balcony solar or plug-in, portable solar, uses small panels that connect to wall outlets to provide power.

Lawmakers held the first-ever hearing on the technology in the Hawaii legislature, where supporters said it could help reduce electric bills for residents who cannot install traditional rooftop solar systems.

“These systems are safe, low cost, and they work for renters, apartments, and homes, and suitable for roofs. So many could benefit from balcony solar but outdated regulations are preventing this,” said Sherry Pollack of 350 Hawaii.

Technology popular in Germany but slow to adopt in U.S.

The portable solar panels are popular in Germany, but the electrical system there differs from American grids, causing slow adoption in the United States. Only Utah has passed a law to reduce barriers for the technology, but Hawaii could be next.

Rocky Mould of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said the panels can be scaled to any size. “One panel will defray a lot of costs for a typical bill here in Hawaii,” Mould said.

Lawmakers heard only support at the hearing, though some anticipate concerns from apartment and condo managers about the appearance of panels hung on buildings.

Safety concerns also exist about whether electricity from panels could cause overloads in homes or send unexpected surges into the grid.

Texas company already offers product

Craftstrom Solar, a Texas company, already has an easy-to-install product on the U.S. market. Brothers Michael and Stephan Stermer patented a system that limits the panels’ solar output to what the home needs and does not send power to the grid.

“It allows people, even in states that don’t have legislation, to install these systems without having to go through a rigorous interconnection agreement process,” Stephan Stermer said.

The panels weigh about 10 pounds and are eligible for state tax credits.

Michael Stermer said most people install them on ground mounts near fences where they remain out of sight.

The technology could offset 10 to 20 percent or more of electricity bills, supporters said.

Even if the legislation does not pass, the technology may find ways around regulatory barriers.

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