ClimateQuiet 23d · day 23
California Legislature Passes Bill Legalizing Plug-In Solar Panels
SB 868 lets residents plug small solar kits directly into wall outlets without costly rooftop installation or utility interconnection hurdles, and now awaits Gov. Newsom's signature.
What to know
- SB 868 legalizes plug-in (balcony) solar panels in California, letting users buy a kit and plug it into a standard outlet without rooftop rewiring.
- The bill passed with bipartisan support and now awaits Governor Newsom's signature; similar bills are pending in New York and New Jersey.
- Kits cost $300–$2,200, far less than rooftop solar, and are aimed at renters and others previously excluded from rooftop solar markets.
- Current utility interconnection requirements (e.g., PG&E's process costing $100–$800) can undercut the plug-and-play cost advantage advocates are pushing to remove.
“You never get to pass a big controversial bill in one year. We’re poised to do that. It is a huge win.”
Bernadette Del Chiaro, Senior VP, Environmental Working Group · KQED · Aug 26
Bernadette Del Chiaro Senior VP, Environmental Working Group
Gavin Newsom Governor of CaliforniaCalifornia Solar & Storage Association Industry advocacy group co-sponsoring the billPG&E California utility
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