The California Legislature approved Senate Bill 868, designated the Plug and Play Solar Act, which aims to remove regulatory obstacles that have prevented widespread deployment of small, portable solar panel systems in residential settings. The bill, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener and sponsored by the Environmental Working Group and Abundance Network, now awaits action from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has 30 days to sign or veto the measure.
The legislation would allow homeowners and renters to purchase and install portable balcony solar panels without obtaining interconnection agreements from utility companies, a process that has previously involved significant time and expense. The systems would be capped at 1,200 watts and must meet strict safety standards, including UL certification requirements and automatic shutdown capabilities to protect utility workers and prevent electrical hazards. According to proponents, a single 400-watt system could cover approximately 14 percent of an apartment’s electricity usage and generate roughly $250 in annual savings, with current costs starting around $500.
California electricity rates have nearly doubled over the past decade, placing the state among those with the highest energy prices nationwide. The Environmental Working Group cited recent data showing a 55 percent increase in extreme heat events across the state, noting that rising utility bills prevent many residents from affording adequate cooling during dangerous heat periods. Balcony solar technology has already gained significant traction internationally, with more than 4 million systems installed in Germany.
The Assembly included a sunset provision in the bill that would expire the interconnection exemption on January 1, 2030, language requested by utility companies. However, supporters contend this four-year window will provide sufficient time for market development and that the Legislature can address the sunset provision in the future. California joins New York with a balcony solar bill under gubernatorial consideration. Utah became the first state to remove barriers to this technology in 2025, with eight additional states subsequently enacting similar legislation.
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