California's SB 868, the Plug Into the Sun Act introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, was signed by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2026. It creates the largest plug-in solar market in the country.
What SB 868 does
- Allows portable solar devices of up to 1,200 watts AC per dwelling that connect to building wiring through an ordinary receptacle.
- Requires certification by UL or an equivalent testing laboratory.
- Exempts qualifying devices from interconnection requirements.
- Prohibits utilities from charging fees or requiring customer permission to install or use a device.
- Takes effect January 1, 2027. A sunset clause added in committee means the rules expire in 2030 unless the Legislature extends them.
Why California is the best plug-in solar market
California has the second-highest residential electricity prices in the US — above 33¢/kWh on average and much higher on some time-of-use tiers — combined with abundant sunshine. That's the most favorable combination for plug-in solar anywhere in the lower 48.
Time-of-use rates matter
Most California utility customers are on time-of-use rates, where afternoon and evening hours cost the most. A west-facing panel that produces into the late afternoon can be worth more per kWh than a south-facing one. If your rate plan has a 4–9 pm peak, consider pairing your kit with a small battery.
What plug-in solar is worth in California
California households pay an average of 33.61¢ per kWh, 84% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 5.6 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.
800 W kit (2 panels)
- Saved per year
- $378
- Payback ($900 kit)
- 2.4 yr
- Energy used
- 1,125 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $8,553
1,200 W kit (max)
- Saved per year
- $567
- Payback ($1,300 kit)
- 2.3 yr
- Energy used
- 1,688 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $12,879
Run your own numbers
Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.
Estimated savings · California
$378/ year
≈ $31.51 per month
- Payback
- 2.4 yrs
- Energy used
- 1,125 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $8,553
- CO₂ avoided
- 911 lb/yr
Monthly savings profile
Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.
What to do now
- 1Wait until January 1, 2027 before connecting to an outlet; buy and plan now.
- 2Choose a certified microinverter (UL 1741 at minimum; UL 3700 system listing is best) and stay under 1,200 W.
- 3Plug into a dedicated outdoor-rated outlet — never an extension cord or power strip.
- 4Tell your home or renters insurer, and keep the spec sheets.
California plug-in solar FAQ
Is plug-in solar legal in California?
Yes. California passed SB 868 (Plug Into the Sun Act), signed September 30, 2026. It takes effect on January 1, 2027. Systems up to 1,200 W that use certified equipment can be plugged into a standard outlet without a utility interconnection agreement.
How much can balcony solar save in California?
At California's average residential rate of 33.61¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 5.6 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $378 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 2.4 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.
What is the maximum plug-in solar size in California?
The law allows up to 1,200 watts of AC output. That's roughly the safe continuous load on a standard 15-amp household circuit.
Sources
- pv magazine USA — Newsom signs California plug-in solar bill (Oct 1, 2026)
- Canary Media — Where does balcony solar stand in your state?
- EIA — Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential prices)
Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official California sources and your utility.