As we approach Halloween, here’s a real scare for you.

According to our regional electric grid provider, we are increasingly at risk of power outages thanks to the combination of slow deployment of new generation and unprecedented demand 

Energy bills are rising and families are looking for any way they can control their bills. While this is a complicated problem with a number of causes, there is a simple, no-cost way for state governments across the country to provide relief: Allow people to use plug-in solar panels without expensive and unnecessary red tape.

Plug-in solar panels work similarly to those you might see on a roof. But unlike those systems, plug-in solar panels connect into a wall outlet and supply power directly to your home. Your appliances prioritize this solar energy, reducing your reliance on electricity from the grid and lowering your electric bill. Small scale plug-in systems can be installed on a balcony, in a front or backyard, or on a deck. This makes plug-in solar a great option for people who live in apartment buildings, or have a roof that’s shaded by trees.