Plug-in solar in California
California's SB 868 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee 7–0 on May 14, 2026, then passed the full Senate floor 35–1 on May 19, 2026; the bill was referred to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee on May 26, 2026, with a hearing scheduled for June 10, 2026.
What SB 868 would allow
System size
Up to 1,200W AC
UL-listed or equivalent NRTL-certified certification required. Devices must include an anti-backfeed feature preventing grid power flow during outages; utilities may require a simple online registration notification of device address 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
May 14, 2026
Floor Vote
May 19, 2026
Signed
Takes effect
In committee
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.
Recent updates
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 Available in California
Since plug-in solar isn't yet regulated in California, your best option for getting started with solar power are these portable power stations. 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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