California lawmakers greenlight solar panels you can plug into the wall

Key Points:

• California lawmakers passed SB 868 to legalize plug-in, or balcony, solar systems, allowing residents to install small, portable solar panels by simply registering online and plugging into a standard outlet, bypassing costly installation and interconnection fees.
• The bill aims to expand solar access to renters and those with unsuitable roofs or limited capital, with systems ranging from $300 to $2200 and capped at 1,200 watts per home, meeting safety standards and preventing power feedback during outages.
• Despite bipartisan support, major utilities like PG&E and San Diego Gas & Electric opposed the bill over safety concerns and cost-shifting issues, though some labor unions shifted to a neutral stance after amendments improved safety compliance.
• If signed by Governor Newsom, the law will streamline the installation process by replacing current interconnection agreements with a free online registration, potentially enabling Californians to purchase compliant kits as early as spring 2027.
• Advocates highlight the bill’s potential to reduce energy bills significantly, with a 400-watt panel covering about 14% of a renter’s annual electricity use, while some express concern over a 2030 sunset clause and other provisions that may limit market growth.