Browsing: Energy Saving

Plug-in (or balcony) solar tech has been booming in Europe for a while now, but it seems as though the rest of the world is slowly catching on: these kits are now legal in the UK, while an increasing number of US states are approving them too.

Adding plug-in solar power to your home’s energy mix is about to become legal in California: lawmakers in the state have now passed a bill approving the use of plug-in (or balcony) panels, so it’s now ready to be signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Plug-in solar panels became legal in the UK today, providing a quick and easy way to cut your electricity bill without any professional installation. Plug-in solar isn’t right for every home (see my list of three places you can’t install plug-in solar panels for details). Don’t despair, though — you can still trim your bills…

After proving popular across Europe, plug-in solar is now legally allowed in the UK. That means you can buy a solar panel for your balcony or shed roof, and plug it straight into the mains — no roof mounting or professional installation necessary, in theory at least.

If you thought the age of blimps was over, think again. China has just launched a successful test of a helium-filled airship that is used to generate electricity from the sky, and it could mean a return to the air of the skyfaring vehicles that went out of fashion almost 100 years ago.

Plug-in solar kits become legal in the UK from August 27, which makes that date a pretty significant one in the UK’s energy history.

Portable and DIY energy tech is having a moment: more and more of us are installing balcony solar, setting up home batteries, and generally finding alternatives to the regular power grid — and a new appliance being crowdfunded on Kickstarter extends the trend.

I live in Scotland and just got my solar install up and running a few days ago. While it’s obviously still very early days, I’m really happy with how it’s all going so far — and with my decision to go for a full panel and battery system.

Portable power specialist EcoFlow has launched its next-generation Stream Series of home batteries in the UK, meaning that users can keep more of the solar energy they’re generating — though the battery still needs to be installed by a qualified electrician.