By — Laura Klivans, KQED Laura Klivans, KQED Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/small-plug-in-solar-panels-gain-traction-as-an-affordable-way-to-cut-electricity-bills Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio For years, solar power at home was mostly limited to people who owned their rooftops and could afford the steep upfront costs. But now, a new generation of small, affordable systems — often called “plug-in” solar — are making clean energy more accessible. Already widespread in Germany, the movement is gaining momentum in the United States. Laura Klivans of PBS member station KQED reports. Listen to this Segment Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Dec 07, 2025 By — Laura Klivans, KQED Laura Klivans, KQED