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Why New Jersey’s balcony solar bill is a huge deal for renters
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
By Ella Nilsen, CNN
(CNN) — The balcony solar revolution is coming to the United States, but not everyone has been able to benefit. The nearly 35% of Americans who rent could stand to gain the most from solar, but there is a potential barrier in the way: Their landlords.
This week, New Jersey...
Key takeaway The nearly 35% of Americans who rent could stand to gain the most from solar, but there is a potential barrier in the way: Their landlords.
Why this matters in The El Paso
While the New Jersey balcony solar bill may seem like a distant development, its implications could soon be felt in El Paso . As the city continues to grow and attract new residents, the demand for affordable and sustainable energy solutions will only increase. With a significant portion of El Paso's population renting their homes, legislation that expands access to plug-in solar installations could be a game-changer for local renters looking to reduce their energy costs. El Paso's own energy affordability crisis, exacerbated by the hot desert climate, makes it an ideal candidate to follow in New Jersey's footsteps and explore similar solutions. As other states begin to codify their own balcony solar laws, El Paso's city government and lawmakers should take note and consider how to bring this innovative technology to their constituents, potentially paving the way for a more sustainable and affordable energy future for the city.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 6 min
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What is this story about? By Ella Nilsen, CNN
(CNN) — The balcony solar revolution is coming to the United States, but not everyone has been able to benefit. The nearly 35% of Americans who rent could stand to gain the most from solar, but there is a potential barrier in the way: Their landlords.
This week, New Jersey...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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