Plug-in solar in California
Signed, not yet effective Takes effect January 1, 2027, in 84 days
Soon. California has signed a plug-in solar law (SB 868) that takes effect on January 1, 2027. It will cover kits with up to 1,200 W of output, maximum aggregated AC output per dwelling.
Sources differ on part of this. Check the original bill text for certification.
The device
- Power limit
- 1,200 W (maximum aggregated AC output per dwelling)
- Certification
- Certified as a plug-in photovoltaic system (UL 3700 or equivalent) by UL or another nationally recognized testing laboratory; meets the NEC and California Electrical Code
- Electrical code (NEC)
- Must meet the National Electrical Code
- Stops when the grid goes down
- Required
Your utility
- Approval
- Not required
- Notice
- Only if your utility requires it
- Details
- Utilities may ask for a simple online registration (address, make, model and size); it cannot require approval. The interconnection exemption and fee ban expire 2030-01-01 unless the legislature extends them.
- Fees
- Utility may not charge fees
- Interconnection agreement
- Not needed
Renters
- Protected
- Not specified
- Details
- Not addressed in the bill text.
Homeowners associations
- Protected
- Not specified
- Details
- Not addressed in the bill text.
Local permits
- May apply
- Not specified
Electricity price
- Average home rate
- 31.4¢ per kWh
Sources
- pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/10/01/newsom-signs-california-plug-in-solar-bill-establishing-the-nations-largest-balcony-solar-market/
- mgrid.org/2026/10/02/newsom-signs-californias-1200-w-plug-in-solar-law-as-the-tenth-state-but-the-utility-exemption-expires-in-2030/
- legiscan.com/CA/text/SB868/id/3455918
- pluginsolarguide.com/
Data as of October 8, 2026. Reference only, not legal advice. Check the bill text, your utility and your landlord or association.
Other states with plug-in solar laws
- Colorado Law in effect
- Connecticut Law in effect
- Maine Law in effect
- Maryland Law in effect
- New Hampshire Signed, not yet effective
- New Jersey Signed, not yet effective
- Utah Law in effect
- Vermont Law in effect
- Virginia Signed, not yet effective