SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – With just a patch of sunlight, more California residents could “go solar” if Senate Bill 868 makes it to Governor Newsom’s desk, even if they rent their home or apartment. The setup of small, consumer-friendly solar systems could allow people to save on their electrical bills during a time of growing energy costs.
Known as the “Plug and Play Solar Act,” SB868 aims to simplify the adoption of small, portable “balcony solar” systems up to 1,200 watts that can plug into a single outlet. If passed,
Renters and homeowners would be able to use plug-in solar devices on balconies, patios, or yards. This bill exempts portable solar devices, as defined, from state law and electric utility rules regarding requirements to connect to the electrical distribution system, known as interconnection. It would prohibit an electrical corporation or a local POU from requiring a customer using a portable solar generation device to take specified actions, including, among other things, paying any fee or charge related to the device or the electricity the device feeds into a building’s electrical system.
Introduced by Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco in 2024, the bill is scheduled for its next hearing on April 20, 2026. The most recent version of the bill can be seen HERE. It passed unanimously in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Commission Committee in March.
So far, two states have passed legislation to streamline, or explicitly allow, plug-in solar. Utah adopted in 2025, and Maine this year. Over two dozen other states besides California are actively considering similar laws, including Colorado, New York and Illinois.
The aim for all of the states considering allowing plug-in solar is to eliminate complex, lengthy interconnection agreements and safety inspections for small, DIY solar systems.