What if lowering your electric bill was as easy as plugging something into the wall? Utah State Rep. Ray Ward joins The Government Fix to explain the surprisingly simple idea behind plug-in solar: small solar panels that can power your home or apartment without contractors, permits, or major renovations—even without homeownership. Already popular across Europe, the technology is gaining momentum in the U.S. as lawmakers rethink outdated rules that stand between people and lower energy costs.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Rep. Ray Ward M.D., Ph.D., has served in the Utah House of Representatives since 2015. He serves as the House Chair of the Social Services Appropriations Committee. He focuses his legislative efforts on medical issues and how to lower the cost of housing. He is a family physician in private practice at Cope Family Medicine/Ogden Clinic. In the 2025 session, he sponsored and passed H.B. 340, which made a pathway for the adoption of plug-in solar panels, and within a year, that bill has triggered a great deal of interest in many other state legislatures around the nation.

LEARN MORE:

• https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/30/balcony-solar-power-states-laws
• https://pluginsolarus.com/states

ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT FIX:

The Government Fix is a podcast by Code for America, the country’s leading civic tech nonprofit for over 15 years. Hosted by CEO Amanda Renteria, we explore what it looks like when government works well for everyone.

Explore all episodes and learn more: thegovernmentfix.org

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL65XgbSILalWGZmB8DliZnjqyxEpIgy0v&si=Ah_WzQ7INfnXqjVn

Transcript available here: https://codeforamerica.org/podcast/the-plug-in-solar-movement-that-could-lower-your-energy-bills/

The Government Fix is a podcast from Code for America, the country’s leading civic tech nonprofit. Learn more about our work at codeforamerica.org.