Our recent conversation with Cora Stryker, co-founder of Bright Saver, explored how a grassroots movement is transforming clean energy policy across the United States through plug-in solar legislation. We discussed how a coalition of environmental groups, consumer advocates, and bipartisan lawmakers helped expand plug-in solar from legal in zero states to nearly ten in just over a year. Cora also shared why affordable balcony solar could make clean energy accessible to millions of renters and homeowners, and how people-powered advocacy is helping remove the regulatory barriers slowing the transition to clean energy.

Watch a recording of the conversation (1 hour) or read a quick recap.

Recording

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Quick recap

The meeting was a discussion with Cora Stryker, co-founder of BrightSaver, about the rapid growth of the plug-in solar movement and its potential to make clean energy more affordable and accessible across the United States. Participants explored how a bipartisan coalition helped expand plug-in solar legislation from zero states to nearly ten in just over a year, examined the regulatory barriers still limiting adoption, and discussed why plug-in solar could dramatically increase access to clean energy for renters and homeowners alike. The conversation concluded with reflections on the power of grassroots advocacy to shape energy policy, lower costs, and accelerate the transition to a more decentralized and resilient energy system.

Disclaimer: This is an auto-generated meeting summary from Zoom, offering a high-level overview of the discussion. Please note that it may not capture all details with perfect accuracy.

Summary

Turning a Regulatory Roadblock into a National Movement
Cora Stryker shared how BrightSaver’s work on plug-in solar began with what was intended to be a small pilot project in California. When regulatory hurdles from utilities made that difficult, the team shifted its focus from deploying products to changing policy. In just over a year, what started as a single-state effort grew into a nationwide legislative campaign, with plug-in solar becoming legal in nearly ten states and many more expected to consider legislation in upcoming sessions.

Why Plug-In Solar Matters

Unlike traditional rooftop solar systems, plug-in solar is designed to make clean energy accessible to people who have largely been left out of the energy transition. Renters, apartment residents, and homeowners who cannot afford large solar installations can install small systems that reduce electricity costs and generate clean power. Cora explained that making solar simple and affordable has the potential to dramatically expand participation in renewable energy while giving consumers greater control over their own electricity.

Building a Movement Across Political Lines

One of the interview’s biggest themes was the importance of coalition building. BrightSaver partnered with organizations like Solar United Neighbors, Vote Solar, and the Sierra Club while also finding support from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Rather than framing plug-in solar solely as a climate issue, the campaign emphasized consumer choice, lower utility bills, energy resilience, and local economic benefits—values that resonated with diverse audiences and helped accelerate legislative success.

The Challenge Isn’t the Technology—It’s the Rules

Although plug-in solar technology already exists and is widely used in parts of Europe, Cora explained that outdated regulations remain one of the biggest obstacles to adoption in the United States. Existing electrical codes often require electrician installation for systems small enough to be safely plugged into a standard outlet, creating unnecessary costs and slowing consumer adoption. BrightSaver has focused much of its work on modernizing these regulations through state legislation while navigating an evolving certification landscape.

People Power Can Accelerate the Energy Transition

The conversation concluded with a broader reflection on how policy change happens. Rather than waiting for federal action, BrightSaver has focused on empowering ordinary people to contact state legislators, join the movement, and demonstrate demand for plug-in solar. Cora argued that growing public participation not only helps remove regulatory barriers but also drives down technology costs and expands access over time. The discussion underscored that the clean energy transition is not just being shaped by new technology—it is also being driven by citizens working together to change the rules that govern it.