Sustainable Idaho

Sustainable Idaho: The Balcony Solar Boom

By Madison Long,

Published February 24, 2026 at 6:14 AM MST

On today’s episode, Madison talks with Brad Heusinkveld, the Interior West Regulatory Director of Vote Solar. They talk about a March 2025 Utah legislation that allows for the installation of balcony solar, or plug-in solar panels for residential homes. As a new technology already proven to work in Europe and more specifically Germany, the United States has a potential to provide clean, affordable, and consumer-friendly solar energy. Check out the talk about balcony solar here and see Idaho House Bill 612 and its potential addition for balcony solar in the state at this link: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0612/.

Plug-in solar transcript.pdf

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Sustainable Idaho KISU

Madison Long

Madison Long is a sophomore majoring in Communications and English with concentrations in Multiplatform Journalism and Professional Writing. She enjoys learning about sustainable practices within the local community and how these can expand throughout the state of Idaho. She looks forward to sharing what she learns from researching and through interviewing with field experts!

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Holly Wilson

Holly Wilson is a sophomore at the College of Business at Idaho State University, double majoring in Economics and Finance. She currently serves as Vice President of the Portneuf Animal Welfare Society, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to animal welfare and sustainable community practices, and is also President of the ISU Economics Club. Holly has also worked as an ethics tutor in ISU’s Philosophy Department, reflecting her interest in thoughtful, values-driven leadership. A proud Pocatello native, Holly is deeply invested in creating lasting positive change in her hometown.

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