Environment & Climate
California legalizes plug-in balcony solar panels under new law
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation permitting systems up to 1,200 watts, though compliant units are not yet available.
The short version
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plug and Play Solar Act (SB 868) on September 30 to permit balcony solar systems.[Electrek]
- The law covers household systems generating up to 1,200 watts AC and prevents utilities from charging interconnection fees or requiring advance approval through 2029.[Electrek]
- According to the Environmental Working Group, California is the tenth state to legalize balcony solar.[CNET]
- No plug-in solar units currently sold on the market meet the state's regulatory requirements.[CNET]
Key facts
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plug and Play Solar Act, SB 868, on September 30.[Electrek · CNET]
- The law authorizes balcony solar installations with combined outputs up to 1,200 watts AC per household.[Electrek]
- Utilities cannot charge device fees or require advance approvals or interconnection agreements until exemptions end on January 1, 2030.[Electrek]
- According to the Environmental Working Group, California is the 10th state to authorize balcony solar.[CNET]
What remains uncertain
- No solar units currently on the consumer market satisfy California's statutory requirements.[CNET]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.