California
⏳ Enacted — effective Jan 1, 2027Updated October 2, 2026Plug-In Solar Legal Guide
Governor Newsom signed SB 868 (Sen. Scott Wiener), the Plug Into the Sun Act, on September 30, 2026, after it passed the Senate 35-1 in May and cleared both chambers on August 25-26, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, residents can use portable solar devices up to 1,200W that plug into a standard outlet, with no utility interconnection agreement, approval, or fee. Devices must be certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory and meet the National Electrical Code, and they are meant to offset your own use rather than export to the grid. The interconnection exemption sunsets on January 1, 2030 unless lawmakers extend it. This is separate from NEM 3.0, which still governs traditional grid-tied rooftop systems that export power.
New to plug-in solar?
Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.
Payback Calculator
Pre-filled with California's average rate ($0.310/kWh) and 5.5 daily peak sun hours. Adjust sliders to match your situation.
Best-fit kits for California
sorted by your payback periodCraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit
400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.
US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit
Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.
PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit
Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.
Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Year-by-year table
| Year | kWh Used | Rate | Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 819 | $0.310 | $254 | $254 |
| 2 | 815 | $0.326 | $265 | $519 |
| 3 | 811 | $0.342 | $277 | $796 |
| 4 | 807 | $0.359 | $290 | $1,086 |
| 5Paid off | 803 | $0.377 | $303 | $1,388 |
| 6 | 799 | $0.396 | $316 | $1,704 |
| 7 | 795 | $0.415 | $330 | $2,035 |
| 8 | 791 | $0.436 | $345 | $2,380 |
| 9 | 787 | $0.458 | $360 | $2,740 |
| 10 | 783 | $0.481 | $377 | $3,116 |
| 11 | 779 | $0.505 | $393 | $3,510 |
| 12 | 775 | $0.530 | $411 | $3,921 |
| 13 | 771 | $0.557 | $429 | $4,350 |
| 14 | 767 | $0.585 | $449 | $4,799 |
| 15 | 764 | $0.614 | $469 | $5,267 |
| 16 | 760 | $0.644 | $490 | $5,757 |
| 17 | 756 | $0.677 | $512 | $6,269 |
| 18 | 752 | $0.711 | $534 | $6,803 |
| 19 | 748 | $0.746 | $558 | $7,361 |
| 20 | 745 | $0.783 | $583 | $7,945 |
| 21 | 741 | $0.823 | $609 | $8,554 |
| 22 | 737 | $0.864 | $637 | $9,191 |
| 23 | 734 | $0.907 | $665 | $9,856 |
| 24 | 730 | $0.952 | $695 | $10,551 |
| 25 | 726 | $1.000 | $726 | $11,277 |
Law Summary
Verify with your state utility commission before installing. FAQ →
Electricity Cost Trend
↑ 5.0%/yr avg — ModerateHOA & Landlord Rules
The #1 real-world blocker for renters & condo ownersThe Solar Rights Act prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy systems outright and bars purely aesthetic objections; HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions on placement only if they don't increase install cost by more than $1,000 or cut system output/efficiency by more than 10%, and must act within 45 days or approval is automatic. The Act covers 'solar energy systems' broadly but plug-in/portable balcony devices were not specifically addressed before SB 868. SB 868 (signed September 30, 2026, effective January 1, 2027) now creates a dedicated framework for these small devices. Check the bill text for how it treats HOA rules.
No statute specifically addresses tenant rights to use small plug-in/portable solar devices in rentals; general landlord-tenant law and lease terms govern, and tenants generally need landlord consent for any outlet-connected device affecting building wiring or exterior modifications such as balcony rails.
Utility: PG&E / SCE / SDG&E
Under NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff), PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E pay export credits based on time-varying 'avoided cost' values, generally much lower than retail rates, locked in for 9 years from Permission to Operate. All new interconnections (including small systems up to 30kW under the Standard NEM Interconnection Agreement) require a $145 interconnection request fee and smart inverters meeting Rule 21 standards. Under SB 868, effective January 1, 2027, qualifying plug-in devices up to 1,200W are exempt from these interconnection fees and approval requirements until the exemption sunsets on January 1, 2030.