- SB 868, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, passed both houses of the California Legislature in late August 2026.
- It would allow plug-in systems up to 1,200 W, certified by UL or an equivalent lab, without an interconnection agreement.
- Utilities could require customers to notify them.
- If signed, it takes effect on January 1, 2027, with the interconnection exemption set to sunset on January 1, 2030.
California has more rooftop solar than any other state, yet millions of its residents rent apartments where rooftop solar is impossible. It also has some of the highest electricity prices in the country. That combination makes it the biggest potential market for plug-in solar in the US, and why SB 868 has drawn so much attention.
In this article
Status as of late September 2026
SB 868 cleared the Senate energy committee unanimously in March 2026, passed the Senate, and was approved by the Assembly in August. After the Senate concurred with Assembly amendments, it went to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30, 2026 to sign or veto bills passed at the end of the session. Check our law tracker for the outcome.
What the bill says
- Size: up to 1,200 W of output.
- Safety: the device must meet the National Electrical Code and California Electrical Code and be certified by UL or an equivalent testing laboratory.
- Interconnection: no interconnection agreement required for qualifying devices.
- Notification: a utility may require customers to notify it that they are using a plug-in device.
- Sunset: from January 1, 2030, the interconnection exemption and permission-free installation would end unless extended, which could mean full utility agreements after that date.
Why it matters so much in California
Many Californians pay 30 cents or more per kWh, and more in parts of PG&E’s territory. By our PVGIS runs, an 800 W kit saves roughly $200-215 a year mounted vertically and $325-355 tilted in full sun, among the highest figures in the country. With good sun across most of the state, a kit costing $800-1,000 could pay for itself in about two and a half to five years.
| Setup (Northern/Central CA) | Est. kWh/year | Savings at $0.35/kWh, 75% self-use |
|---|---|---|
| 800 W vertical, south balcony | ~820 | ~$215 |
| 800 W tilted, south, yard | ~1,320 | ~$345 |
| 1,200 W tilted, south | ~1,980 | ~$520 |
City by city, from our satellite-data runs:
| 800 W kit in | Vertical, south railing | Vertical, east or west | Tilted 30°, south | Savings/yr (vertical / tilted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | ~820 kWh | ~630 kWh | ~1,360 kWh | $215 / $355 |
| San Diego, CA | ~760 kWh | ~590 kWh | ~1,240 kWh | $200 / $325 |
| San Francisco, CA | ~830 kWh | ~610 kWh | ~1,330 kWh | $215 / $345 |
| Sacramento, CA | ~810 kWh | ~610 kWh | ~1,310 kWh | $210 / $340 |
Our PVGIS runs with NSRDB satellite data (2005-2015 average), 14% system losses, no shade. Savings assume 75% of the output is used at home at the state’s June 2026 average residential price (EIA): about 34.7 cents per kWh. Method and all 30 cities: plug-in solar in 30 US cities.
Your utility, rate plan and time-of-use windows affect this a lot. Midday solar is less valuable on many TOU plans than evening power. Read plug-in solar with time-of-use tariffs and use the calculator.
What renters should know
SB 868 does not appear to create specific tenant rights like Virginia’s or Colorado’s laws. California already has civil code protections for some tenant energy improvements, but whether they cover plug-in devices would need clarification. Until then, ask your landlord in writing; see our landlord guide.
What to do now
- Do not plug in a grid-tied kit before the law is in effect; until then, a utility interconnection agreement is technically required.
- Shortlist certified kits. Bright Saver, a nonprofit, has been selling small kits in parts of California.
- If the bill is vetoed, a portable power station with panels remains a legal off-grid option.
How SB 868 compares with other states
| California SB 868 | Most other state laws | |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | 1,200 W | 1,200 W (Colorado 1,920 W) |
| Notification | Utility may require it | Varies: none to one-time form |
| Sunset | Exemption ends January 1, 2030 unless extended | Usually permanent |
| Renter protection | Not specific | Specific in Virginia, Colorado, New Jersey |
The 2030 sunset is unusual. It gives regulators a chance to review experience before making the exemption permanent, but it also means buyers should keep an eye on what happens after 2029.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a kit in California today?
Until SB 868 (or another law) takes effect, connecting a grid-tied kit to your home wiring requires the utility’s interconnection process. A portable power station used off-grid is legal. How that works.
Will PG&E or SCE credit my exports?
The bill exempts qualifying devices from interconnection; exported power should not be expected to earn credit. Focus on daytime self-use.
What if the governor vetoes it?
Supporters would likely reintroduce the bill in a later session. We will update this page with the outcome.
Status reported as of September 23, 2026. This article will be updated when the governor acts.
Sources
- California Legislature passes balcony solar bill, Canary Media.
- California plug-in solar bill SB 868 earns approval of both legislative houses, pv magazine USA.
- Plug-in solar in California: balcony solar and SB 868, Solar Rights Alliance.
- Electricity rates by state (EIA data, June 2026), Choose Energy.
- Time-of-use rate plans, PG&E.
Sources checked in September 2026. Laws, prices and product details change; if you spot something out of date, tell us.