Plug-in solar panels: Now you have no excuse

Dan Seitz Contributing Writer, Tech

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If you live in a sunny area, you’ve probably thought about installing solar panels. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty advanced electrician’s project, and also you don’t want to be mistaken as one of those people who installs solar panels because they want to lord it over you how green they are, instead of just being sick of getting ripped off by the power company. There’s also that annoying “permits” problem, which keeps us from adding that enormous Spuds McKenzie statue to our corporate headquarters’ roof. Stupid neighbors.

Now, however, there’s an option to install up to five solar panels on your deck. And you don’t need to be an electrician, or have a special permit, to do it.

SpinRay Energy has a system that lets you install the panels on your porch or deck and simply plug them into the nearest outdoor outlet. The system is fully UL certified and as these things go, cheap: $1100 gets you a full kit for putting them in your yard or hanging them on your deck. And you don’t need a permit to install them, as they’re an appliance under the law.

Keep in mind that this will A) cut down on your power bills and B) qualify you for a 30% federal tax credit. So, if you’re handy around the house, this is probably money well spent.

Got a deck? Solar panels are now a plug-in appliance [CNet]