Solarly · The Current
Independent coverage of plug-in solar.
News, analysis, and commentary on the changing economics of plug-in solar. Updated as the market moves.
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Five States Down, Eight More Queued — Plug-In Solar Hits Its Legislative Inflection Point
← The Current · June 24, 2026 A year ago, one state had a plug-in solar law. Today it’s five. By the time this year’s…
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A new California bill would let you buy plug-in solar at Costco and plug it in. No utility permission required.
🗺️ State law 5 min read California · SB 868 · June 2026 Senate Bill 868 would let California retailers sell plug-in solar kits off…
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How Solar Panels Work: From Photons to Your Power Bill
The sun has been fusing hydrogen in its core for 5 billion years. Every hour, enough of that energy lands on Earth to power all…
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A Solar Cell Just Produced More Energy Than It Received. Here’s How.
Researchers at Kyushu University pushed past a 65-year-old ceiling in solar physics. Their system hit 130% quantum yield. Here’s what that actually means.
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The New York Times Makes the Case for Plug-In Solar
The Current · June 14, 2026 When Robinson Meyer’s opinion piece landed in the Sunday Times this morning, we read it twice. The piece —…
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The plug-in solar kit guide for people who’ve never bought a solar panel in their life.
What to look for, what to skip, and why the certifications matter more than the wattage number on the box.
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5 states just made plug-in solar legal and easy. Here’s exactly what changed.
Between 2024 and 2026, a wave of state laws quietly rewrote the rules for renters and small-scale solar. What passed, what it means, and what’s…
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Is plug-in solar actually worth it in 2026? We ran the numbers.
The honest answer depends on where you live, what you pay for electricity, and which direction your windows face. Here’s the math, unvarnished.