Plug-in solar panels proposed to help lower energy costs for Illinois renters, multi-family homes

PEORIA (25News Now) -A bill proposed in the Illinois legislature would allow renters and residents in multi-unit housing to use optional plug-in solar energy systems to help lower utility costs.

State Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) is leading efforts to adopt the “Plug-In Illinois Act,” or SB3104. The bill aims to expand access to solar energy for people who are currently unable to install traditional systems because they rent or don’t meet installation requirements.

“By providing a plug-in solar unit, it wouldn’t fuel your entire home, but it could offset your energy costs,” Ventura said.

“So, you might be able to put it on your back balcony or the side of your house that faces south that doesn’t have a tree blocking it, for example, and provide a little bit of relief.”

The legislation would allow renters, condo owners and residents in multi-unit buildings to plug small solar panels into a standard outlet. The systems, which range in size from up to 391 watts to exceptions for some up to 1,200 watts, could generate enough electricity to power small appliances like a blender or even a refrigerator. Some models also include battery storage, allowing users to save energy for later use.

“Currently, in order to get battery storage, you’re doing an interconnection with the utilities, you’ve got a rooftop solar system, it’s going into a battery, and then that’s how you can save money on days maybe like today when it’s cloudy and rainy,” Ventura said. “It’s a much smaller battery pack.”

Ventura said the bill is intended to cut through what she describes as barriers to solar adoption, including costly installation, lengthy approval processes, and construction requirements tied to traditional systems.

The proposal would require that electrical systems are capable of safely handling the panels and would prohibit their use in common areas of apartment buildings.

While Ventura said the bill includes safety standards, some fire officials have raised concerns about residents installing the systems themselves without professional oversight.

Peoria Fire Investigator Brad Pierson said while energy-saving options are important, safety needs to be the top priority.

His main concern involves the potential for “back feeding,” which occurs when electricity flows in the wrong direction through a system.

“The concern is if you end up mixing those two, you can have a back feed situation which means you’re putting power back into the system the wrong way,” Pierson said.

“And you’re feeding it, meaning the power coming from your normal electrical source, in this case in our area Ameren and CILCO, they would hit, and then we have an electrical failure, potentially.”

Pierson added that improper installation could also pose risks to both the person installing the system and others in the building.

“If they do it wrong or think they can do something that they can’t with the system, then we can have potential injuries to the person doing the wiring,” he said.

“But also, injuries to the people that might be in the apartment building, if the apartment building catches on fire, or there’s an electrical hazard at some point.”

Currently, plug-in solar systems are limited, and landlords or homeowners’ associations can deny tenants the ability to use them. If passed, the bill would prevent landlords and homeowners’ associations from prohibiting renters from using plug-in solar units.

The systems could be installed on balconies, patios, yards or other areas with access to a standard outlet.

The legislation would also remove the requirement for users to obtain an interconnection agreement or go through the net metering process before using the systems. However, users would still be required to notify their electric provider within 30 days of installation.

The bill recently passed out of committee and remains under consideration at the state capitol.

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