Plug-in solar in California
California's SB 868 passed the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee 18–0 on June 11, 2026 and was re-referred to Assembly Appropriations; a July 1, 2026 Appropriations hearing was postponed, and as of early August 2026 the committee has a hearing on the bill scheduled for August 5, 2026.
What SB 868 would allow
System size
Up to 1,200W AC
UL-listed or equivalent NRTL-certified certification required. Devices must connect through a single standard electrical outlet and include an anti-backfeed feature preventing grid power flow during outages; utilities may require a simple online registration notification of device address, make, model, and size but cannot require approval or charge any fees.
No utility approval
Interconnection waived
No application to your utility required. Self-installation with listed equipment is sufficient.
Get notified when this bill passes
We track California's plug-in solar bill. We'll alert you the moment it clears the legislature.
Where SB 868 stands right now
Introduced
Committee
Jun 11, 2026
Floor Vote
May 19, 2026
Signed
Takes effect
Passed committee
The Assembly Appropriations Committee postponed its scheduled July 1, 2026 hearing on SB 868.
Recent updates
Jun
29
2026
The Assembly Appropriations Committee postponed its scheduled July 1, 2026 hearing on SB 868.
Jun
15
2026
SB 868 was read a second time, amended, and re-referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Jun
11
2026
The Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee passed SB 868 18–0 with amendments, recommending passage.
May
26
2026
SB 868 was referred to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee after passing to the Assembly; a committee hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2026.
May
19
2026
The full Senate passed SB 868 35–1 on the floor.
May
14
2026
Senate Appropriations Committee voted 7–0 to advance SB 868 off the suspense file.
What you could save once plug-in solar is legal in California
Estimate assumes current electricity rates once legislation passes.
Monthly savings
$35
Annual savings
$419
Payback period
~3 yrs
Based on 30.15¢/kWh avg rate · 800W system · 5.8 peak sun hours/day
Products to Consider in California
Since plug-in solar isn't yet regulated in California, portable power stations are often the practical starting point. These systems do not connect to your home's wall outlets — instead, you plug your devices directly into the power station.
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