SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Daniel Didech joined fellow General Assembly members and clean energy advocates to launch a campaign to pass legislation enabling plug-in solar in Illinois. The Plug-In Illinois Act (SB3104/HB4524) would unlock access to affordable solar power for millions of Illinoisans who cannot install rooftop solar – because they are renters, apartment dwellers, or can’t afford the upfront cost – by removing regulatory barriers to small scale plug-in or “balcony” solar units.
This legislation would allow consumers to buy a certified solar system and plug it into a standard wall outlet. The effort would make Illinois one of the first states in the nation to enact plug-in solar following Utah, which passed plug-in solar legislation with unanimous bipartisan support last year. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and other states have introduced plug-in solar legislation as well.
Senator Rachel Ventura, Senate sponsor of the Plug-In Illinois Act, said, “Today, we’re making clean energy more accessible and affordable while focusing on safety. Plug in solar is designed with strong safety protections and modern technology that meets rigorous standards, while giving people a real way to lower their electricity bills. . Illinois has long been a leader in expanding access to clean energy solutions, and plug-in solar is the next step in that progress.”
“For too long, solar has been limited to homeowners with the right kind of roof,” said Representative Daniel Didech, House sponsor of the bill. “That leaves out renters, condo owners, and Illinois families who want to participate in the clean energy transition but don’t have a pathway to do so. Plug-in solar changes that. With this bill, we’re allowing more people to generate their own power, lower their bills, and be part of our clean energy future. No rooftop, no major installation, just a simple and practical solution that works for how many Illinoisans live.”
Representative Eva-Dina Delgado said, “This legislation expands access to affordable, clean power and was designed with safety as the top priority. It requires plug-in solar systems to be certified, meaning they incorporate safety features like inverters that automatically shut off during outages, and sets conservative limits on system size so they remain well within the capacity of a standard household circuit. Illinoisans should feel confident that this is a carefully designed policy that prioritizes their safety while allowing innovation to move forward.”
“Families across Illinois are feeling the pressure of rising electricity costs. The Plug-In Illinois Act offers a practical, commonsense way to provide relief,” said Representative Abdelnasser Rashid. “Plug-in solar allows households to generate a portion of their own electricity, reducing how much they need to buy from the grid and lowering monthly bills. It’s all about giving people another tool to manage costs and have more control over their energy bills.”
By updating outdated regulations and slashing red tape, Illinois can open the door to affordable, at-home solar for renters, condo owners, and homeowners who have been left out of the clean energy transition.
Kavi Chintam, Campaign Manager for Illinois at Vote Solar, said, “Plug-in solar is one of the most practical ways to expand access to clean energy in Illinois. It meets people where they are – whether they rent, live in a condo, or simply can’t install rooftop solar – and gives them a straightforward way to lower their electricity bills. With strong safety standards and clear rules, the Plug-In Illinois Act opens the door for more Illinoisans to participate in the clean energy transition and see real, tangible savings. This is about putting power – literally and financially – into the hands of Illinois families.”
“Families across Illinois are facing rising electricity costs, and too many still don’t have access to the tools that can help lower their bills,” said Jen Walling, CEO of the Illinois Environmental Council. “Plug-in solar offers an affordable way to expand access to clean energy, especially as climate action is more urgent than ever. This bill moves us toward a cleaner grid while making sure the benefits of that transition are more widely shared.”
Plug-in solar breaks down the biggest barriers to solar adoption and can accommodate both owners and renters:
-
Renters can set up systems on balconies or patios without altering their building, and can take their systems with them when they move.
-
Condo owners gain a personal, independent solution even without rooftop access.
-
Homeowners with shaded or unsuitable roofs can still generate clean energy via their yards, patios or balconies.
When placed in a sunny area, the panels produce electricity that flows into the home’s wiring, powering appliances and reducing the amount of electricity pulled from the grid – lowering monthly bills and carbon emissions.
“One of the biggest challenges to expanding clean energy is unnecessary complexity and red tape,” said Hannah Birnbaum, Chief of Advocacy at Permit Power. “The Plug-In Illinois Act creates a clear framework that allows this technology to scale responsibly and safely, making it easier for Illinoisans to access plug-in solar without navigating complicated processes meant for larger, complex systems.”
More information about the legislation is available here.
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar and clean energy solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build a just and equitable energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.
About Illinois Environmental Council
Since 1975, the Illinois Environmental Council has worked to safeguard Illinois—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends by building power for people and the environment. Representing over 130 environmental organizations in the state, IEC carries out its mission to advance equitable public policies that create healthy environments across Illinois through education, advocacy, and movement building.
About Permit Power
Permit Power is a nonprofit organization making it cheap and easy for American families to power their lives. We do research, education, and advocacy to break down the bureaucratic barriers that get in the way of American families installing home solar, home batteries, and other energy upgrades.
About Bright Saver
Bright Saver empowers millions of American households to generate their own clean energy from balconies, patios, and small spaces — no roof or deep pockets required. By combining public education and affordable technology, we’re building a movement to democratize solar in the U.S. and help everyday people save money while fighting climate change. To learn more, get involved, or support our mission, visit www.BrightSaver.org.
