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Is plug-in solar legal in California?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect (2027-01-01)
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Plan and buy now; from January 1, 2027 a certified kit of up to 1,200 W plugs in without an interconnection agreement.
- Use the ordinary interconnection process, or an off-grid portable kit, in the meantime.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug in under the new law before January 1, 2027; today the utility interconnection rules still apply.
- Get paid for exported power under the new law.
- Assume every kit qualifies: the law requires the certification shown above.
What the rules say
California's SB 868 takes effect January 1, 2027: up to 1,200 W of aggregated AC output per dwelling, certified as a plug-in PV system by UL or an equivalent lab, connected through a receptacle. Utilities may only ask for a simple online registration. The exemption sunsets January 1, 2030, when non-certified plug-in devices also become illegal to sell.
Before you plug in: California checklist
- Wait for January 1, 2027. Until then the utility's normal interconnection rules still apply.
- Keep the system at or under 1,200 W of inverter output.
- Buy a kit whose certification matches the law (UL / NRTL listed). Check the label, not the marketing copy.
- Tell your utility: Only if your utility asks. Optional: IOU/POU may require simple online registration (address, make, model, size); no approval.
- Renting or in an HOA? The law does not override your lease or covenants, so get written permission first.
- Plug into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip, and keep shared-circuit kits under about 400 W.
The rules in detail
| Law | SB 868: Electricity: portable solar generation devices (Ch. 985, Stats. 2026) |
|---|---|
| Signed | September 30, 2026 |
| Effective | January 1, 2027 |
| Max system size | 1,200 W |
| Certification | Certified as a plug-in PV system by UL or equivalent NRTL; certified isolation/anti-backfeed feature; most recent NEC and California Electrical Code. |
| Utility notice / approval | Optional: IOU/POU may require simple online registration (address, make, model, size); no approval. |
| Permit / electrician | None in Act. |
| Exported power | Exempt from all interconnection requirements; no fee for electricity fed into building; silent on compensation. |
| Avg. electricity price | 33.61¢ per kWh |
- Sponsor: Sen. Scott Wiener.
- Outlet / circuit: connected to and disconnected from building electrical system through a receptacle.
- Sunset: 8531 (exemption and utility prohibitions) repealed January 1, 2030; from that date non-compliant plug-in devices may not be sold (8532).
Legislative background
- PG&E opposed final; SDG&E opposed; SCE neutral after notification language; IBEW/firefighters neutral.
Savings preview: 800 W kit in California
Adjust for your setup →≈ $344/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in California?
Almost. California signed a plug-in solar law (SB 868) that takes effect on January 1, 2027, allowing systems up to 1,200 W.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in California?
Not required by the law. A dedicated circuit is still a sensible safety practice.
Do I have to tell my utility in California?
Only if your utility asks. Optional: IOU/POU may require simple online registration (address, make, model, size); no approval.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in California?
Roughly 1024 kWh and about $344 per year at California's average residential rate of 33.61¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.