Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Faced with rising electricity prices, Americans are stealthily adding DIY solar systems. And they aren’t telling utilities

A growing number of Americans install affordable plug-in solar systems without notifying utilities, cutting energy bills by 10% to 20%, amid evolving state legislation and safety debates.

Summary by Ground News
Agnes Chan is part of a stealth solar revolution bubbling up in the US. The retired teacher has a tiny solar system propped up in her backyard in Berkeley, California, and plugged into a regular outlet. It cost around $2,000, shaves about $50 off her monthly bills, and she’s evangelical about it. “I have already recommended it many times,” she said.

2 Articles

Center

By Laura Paddison, CNN Agnes Chan is part of a discrete solar revolution that is beginning to emerge in the United States. This retired teacher has a small solar system installed in her backyard in Berkeley, California, and connected to a normal plug. It costs about US$2,000, saves her about US$50 on her monthly bills and defends it enthusiastically. “I’ve already recommended it many times,” she says. Originally, Chan wanted a complete solar sys…

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

CNN broke the news in Atlanta, United States on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)
News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal