California Approves Plug-in Solar Kits for Residents
Residents can now install small-scale solar kits without utility fees or interconnection agreements through 2030.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Utilities
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California legalized the use of small, plug-in balcony solar kits under SB 868, which was signed by Governor Newsom in September 2026. The law allows renters and condo owners to generate electricity using devices capped at 1,200 watts of AC output.
Why it matters
The legislation provides a pathway for residents without traditional rooftop access to offset energy consumption. It creates a new category of small-scale energy generation that avoids standard interconnection agreements and utility fees through 2030.
The law authorizes systems capped at 1,200 watts of AC output, with an 800-watt kit estimated to produce 1,000 kilowatt-hours annually. These small-scale units contrast with typical Southern California rooftop installations ranging from 5 to 10 kilowatts.
The players
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California who signed SB 868 into law.
The details
Plug-in solar kits use one or two panels connected to a microinverter that plugs into a standard wall receptacle. The systems push energy directly into home circuits to offset electricity usage, but must automatically disconnect from the grid during power outages. All devices must meet National and California Electrical Codes and carry certification as a plug-in PV system, though they remain subject to private lease agreements and building safety rules.
Timeline
Governor Newsom signed SB 868 in September 2026.
The interconnection exemption expires on January 1, 2030.
Market Landscape
The Plug and Play Solar Act establishes a formal regulatory framework for small-scale, behind-the-meter generation. This initiative aligns with the National Electrical Code requirements while offering a simplified alternative to the traditional, complex interconnection process.
Property owners should review lease agreements and CC&Rs, as the law does not override private restrictions or existing building safety rules. Residents and building managers should also monitor utility requirements for the necessary online registration form for these devices.
The takeaway
The industry will likely monitor the utilization of the 1,200-watt cap to determine the scale of future legislative pushes. Operators should watch for a potential industry-led effort to extend the interconnection exemption before its expiration on January 1, 2030.
Further reading
Learn more about energy regulatory changes in California Utilities.
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