As States Legalize Plug-In Solar, Safety Standards Race To Catch Up

On Tuesday, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill designed to make it easier for residents to generate their own electricity by using small solar systems that plug directly into a household outlet.“Balcony solar is the ultimate win-win,” Sherrill said after plugging in a solar panel at the bill-signing ceremony. “It’s accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable.”The appeal is easy enough to understand. Plug-in photovoltaic (PIPV) systems can cost hundreds of dollars rather than tens of thousands for rooftop solar (BIPV), and they could shave as much as $50 off a household’s monthly electricity bill, according to Sherrill.But experts warn that the safety of plugging one into a home is far more complicated.“Our advice for consumers would be wait,” Ken Boyce, vice president of principal engineering at UL Solutions, a product testing and safety science company, tells Realtor.com®. “Wait until you can get a PIPV system that has been shown to comply with the UL 3700 requirements, because that is what will keep you and your family safe.”UL began studying the technology as states moved to legalize it and identified potential fire and shock hazards. Those findings helped shape UL 3...