3 Exciting Innovations in Solar and Energy Storage

Solar power and home batteries are changing fast – and the newest innovations are making clean energy more accessible for renters, homeowners, condo dwellers and anyone else looking to lower their carbon footprint.

From small plug‑in solar panels to flexible home batteries and fast‑growing community solar programs, we look at three trends reshaping how Americans can participate in the clean energy transition in this month’s blog:

1. Balcony solar is a simple way to generate your own clean energy.

Balcony solar – small, plug‑in solar panels designed for porches, patios and balcony railings – is quickly gaining steam in the United States. These DIY systems plug directly into a standard wall outlet and help power your home by reducing the amount of electricity you pull from the grid.

As Canary Media reports, about half of states are now considering legislation to allow residents to use plug‑in solar systems, with some states already passing new laws to support them. Supporters say these systems can help with energy affordability and give more people an opportunity to generate clean energy.

For renters, condo owners or even homeowners with unsuitable roofs, balcony solar offers a low‑cost, low‑commitment way to get started with clean energy.

2. Plug‑in home batteries provide easy-to-install backup power.

Traditional home batteries usually require professional installation and a connection to your home’s electrical panel. But new plug‑in home batteries, like the model recently introduced by Pila Energy, are designed to be simple, flexible and renter‑friendly.

According to EnergySage, Pila’s plug‑in battery plugs into a standard outlet and can power essentials like a refrigerator, lights or electronics during an outage. The company designed the system with renters in mind: It doesn’t require landlord approval, it avoids installation costs, and you can take it with you when you move.

With extreme weather and grid outages becoming more common, plug‑in batteries offer a practical way to stay prepared without investing in a full home battery system.

3. Community solar programs continue to become more commonplace.

Community solar continues to grow as one of the easiest ways for Americans to support clean energy – no rooftop panels required. In late 2025, the United States officially surpassed 10 gigawatts (GW) of cumulative community solar installations, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie and the Coalition for Community Solar Access.

With community solar, you subscribe to a shared solar project in your area and receive credits on your electric bill for the energy it produces. Many subscribers save money, and programs are expanding in states across the country. Developers also have more than 8 GW of new projects in the pipeline, showing strong momentum for the years ahead.

From balcony solar to renter‑friendly batteries to the rapid growth of community solar, it’s an exciting time to explore your clean energy options. These three innovations are making clean energy more flexible, more affordable and more accessible – no matter where you live.