How "Balcony Solar" Could Help Fight Rising Utility Costs
Provided by: Climate Central|Published on: May 28, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics
Authors: Ben Tracy
Location: Europe, North America > United States
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video and accompanying article explain how small solar panels reduce electricity costs and why rising United States energy prices are driving interest.
- Students also learn about the patchwork of utility regulations slowing adoption in the United States and how states have begun passing laws to allow plug-in solar.
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students understand that energy typically comes from burning fossil fuels, which impacts the environment.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this video as a warm-up or hook for a lesson on renewable energy. Consider pairing it with this lesson.
Extensions:
- Have students explore the regulations in their state that could help or hinder someone's ability to install balcony solar.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Personal Finance:
- Have students estimate payback time and yearly savings from a panel's cost and monthly savings range.
- Engineering
- Ask students to weigh the costs, benefits, and trade-offs of plug-in solar versus traditional rooftop systems
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
- Use this resource can be used to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
This resource details the growth of balcony solar technology and state regulations that make plug-in solar panels a possibility for many Americans. Throughout, the focus is strongly on green energy as a means to reduce carbon emissions and reduce power bills. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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