California SB 868 Passes Legislature: What Happens Next for Plug-In Solar

By PlugInSolarUS Editorial Team · Published 2026-01-20 · Updated August 26, 2026 · 7 min read

California's official history shows SB 868 passed both chambers and was ordered to engrossing and enrolling on August 26. The measure is not law yet.

California SB 868 Awaits Governor Newsom: What Happens Next

California's official bill history shows the Assembly passed Senate Bill 868 on August 25, 2026. On August 26, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments 36-4 and ordered the bill to engrossing and enrolling. The bipartisan measure would create a statewide framework for qualifying portable plug-in solar devices. It is not law yet: gubernatorial action or another applicable California procedure must make it law before the new framework takes effect.

What SB 868 Does: The Plug and Play Solar Act

SB 868 would remove specified utility-side barriers for qualifying portable solar devices. These systems — also called balcony solar — generate electricity through compact photovoltaic equipment subject to the bill's certification and electrical-safety conditions. The Legislature-approved measure would prohibit specified utility fees and exempt qualifying devices from the traditional interconnection approval process, while preserving applicable product, electrical, building, landlord, and property rules.

Key Provisions in the Legislature-Approved Measure

• No Utility Fees: Utilities — both investor-owned (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) and publicly owned — are prohibited from charging any fee or surcharge related to the plug-in solar device or the electricity it feeds into the building's circuits.
• Interconnection Waived: Certified plug-in solar devices are exempt from all CPUC interconnection requirements. Utilities may only require a simple online registration of address and system size — no approval process, no waiting period.
• System Size Limit: 1,200 watts AC per dwelling unit — consistent with the national standard emerging across other states.
• Safety Certification Required: Devices must be certified as a plug-in photovoltaic system by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory (aligns with UL 3700 scope), and must include an anti-islanding feature. Systems must meet both NEC and California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3).
• Broad Coverage: The bill applies to customers of both investor-owned utilities and local publicly owned electric utilities — covering virtually all California electricity customers.
• Renter Access: The bill applies broadly to any "customer" of an electrical corporation or publicly owned utility. While it does not include explicit landlord-restriction language, the interconnection waiver removes the main utility-side barrier renters face.

What SB 868 Would Mean for California (If Signed Into Law)

California's official history records Assembly passage on August 25 and Senate concurrence in Assembly amendments 36-4 on August 26, followed by an order to engrossing and enrolling. After enrollment, the measure proceeds through the applicable gubernatorial process. Here's what enactment would mean in practice:

Impact on Renters

• Reduced Electricity Bills: With California's average electricity rates around $0.34/kWh, even small plug-in solar systems can lead to significant savings, especially when optimized with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates. Payback periods in high-rate states like California can be as short as 3-5 years with TOU optimization.
• Increased Energy Independence: Renters would gain a degree of control over their energy consumption and production, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Environmental Benefits: Widespread adoption of plug-in solar would contribute to California's ambitious renewable energy goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Impact on Landlords and Property Managers

• Clearer Guidelines: The bill would provide a standardized framework for managing tenant requests for plug-in solar, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes.
• Property Value: Offering plug-in solar options could make rental properties more attractive to environmentally conscious tenants, potentially increasing occupancy rates and property value.

Impact on the Solar Industry

• Market Expansion: A new market segment for plug-in solar products and services would emerge, driving innovation and competition.
• Job Creation: Increased demand for plug-in solar systems would likely lead to job growth in manufacturing, sales, and installation support.

Timeline for SB 868

SB 868 passed the Senate 35-1 on May 19, cleared Assembly Utilities and Energy 18-0 on June 10, and cleared Assembly Appropriations 11-0 on August 13. The official history records Assembly passage on August 25 and Senate concurrence in Assembly amendments 36-4 on August 26, followed by an order to engrossing and enrolling. The measure is not yet law.

How to Prepare Now for Plug-in Solar in California

SB 868 has passed the Legislature and is in the enrollment process, but it is not yet law. California renters should continue following current utility, electrical-code, landlord, and property rules unless and until the bill takes effect. Here's how to prepare:

1. Assess Your Electrical System: Ensure your rental unit has access to a GFCI-protected outlet on a dedicated circuit. This is a critical safety requirement for all plug-in solar systems. NEC Articles 690 and 705 apply to these installations.
2. Understand System Sizing: Familiarize yourself with the different tiers of plug-in solar systems.

3. Research Battery Options: Batteries are essential for maximizing self-consumption and optimizing savings, especially with TOU rates.

4. Educate Your Landlord: Proactively discuss your interest in plug-in solar with your landlord. Share information about the benefits and safety standards (UL 3700).
5. Stay Informed: Follow the progress of SB 868 through the California legislative process.

Comparison with Utah HB 340

California's SB 868 draws parallels with Utah's HB 340, which was enacted in 2025 and is currently the only US law explicitly legalizing plug-in solar. Understanding the differences and similarities can provide insight into the potential direction of California's legislation.

California-Specific Incentives: SGIP

While the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar expired on December 31, 2025, and is no longer available for new purchases, California offers its own robust incentive programs. The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is a key program that provides rebates for qualifying distributed energy resources, including battery storage systems. For plug-in solar users, SGIP can significantly reduce the upfront cost of adding a battery to their system, enhancing their energy independence and economic savings.

• SGIP for Battery Storage: SGIP offers incentives for battery storage systems, which are crucial for maximizing the benefits of plug-in solar, especially in conjunction with California's TOU electricity rates. By storing excess solar energy generated during the day and using it during peak demand hours, consumers can further reduce their electricity bills.
• Eligibility: Eligibility for SGIP depends on various factors, including system size, technology type, and customer segment. It's essential to consult the official California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website or a qualified solar installer for the latest SGIP guidelines and application procedures.

Conclusion

California SB 868's 35-1 Senate passage on May 20, 2026 marks the most significant moment yet for plug-in solar in the nation's most populous state. With 17 million renters and some of the highest electricity rates in the US, California's potential market dwarfs every other state that has passed plug-in solar legislation. The bill now moves to the Assembly, where it must pass by August 31, 2026. California renters should start preparing now — assess your outlet access, research system sizing, and follow the Assembly vote. If SB 868 is signed, January 1, 2027 could be the day plug-in solar goes mainstream in America.

Energy Resilience: Why SB 868 Matters Beyond the Bill Savings

California's grid reliability challenges give SB 868 a dimension that goes beyond monthly bill savings. The state has experienced rolling blackouts during extreme heat events and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) affecting millions of customers during wildfire season. For renters — who cannot install rooftop solar or whole-home battery systems — plug-in solar with battery storage is one of the few practical paths to maintaining power during these events.

A 2 kWh plug-in battery system can keep a refrigerator running for 24–30 hours, charge essential medical devices, and power LED lighting and a Wi-Fi router through a multi-day outage. By explicitly legalizing plug-in solar for renters, SB 868 would make this resilience option accessible to the 17 million Californians who rent their homes — a population that has historically been excluded from the state's solar incentive ecosystem.

Advocates for the bill have highlighted this resilience angle in committee testimony, noting that PSPS events disproportionately affect lower-income renters who lack the resources to purchase generators or whole-home battery systems. Plug-in solar offers a scalable, affordable alternative that can be deployed without landlord approval for structural modifications.

Next Steps

Ready to explore plug-in solar for your California home? Take the next steps to assess your readiness and potential savings:

• Solar Readiness Quiz: Determine if plug-in solar is right for your rental property.
• Savings Calculator: Estimate your potential electricity bill savings with a plug-in solar system.
• Battery Storage Guide: Learn how battery storage can maximize your solar investment.
• Buyer's Guide: Explore options and find the perfect plug-in solar system for your needs.

Sources

• California SB 868 Official History
• California SB 868 Full Text
• California Becomes Latest State to Approve Plug-in Solar — Bloomberg
• California Legislature approves balcony solar bill — EWG
• California Assembly Utilities Committee advances balcony solar bill — EWG
• California Senate passes plug-in solar bill — PV Magazine
• California PUC Self-Generation Incentive Program