California SB 868: Passes Assembly Utilities Committee — What the Plug and Play Solar Act Means for Renters

By PlugInSolarUS Editorial Team · Published 2026-01-20 · Updated June 10, 2026 · 7 min read

California SB 868 passed the Senate 35-1 on May 20, 2026 and cleared the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee on June 10, 2026. It now heads to Assembly Appropriations in August. If signed by Governor Newsom, the law takes effect January 1, 2027.

California SB 868 Passes Senate 35-1: What the Plug and Play Solar Act Means for Renters

California took a major step toward legalizing plug-in solar for renters on May 20, 2026, when the state Senate passed Senate Bill 868 — the Plug and Play Solar Act — on a 35-1 vote. The bill now heads to the Assembly, which has until August 31, 2026 to pass it. If signed by Governor Newsom, the law would take effect January 1, 2027, making California the largest US state to legalize plug-in solar. This guide covers exactly what SB 868 does, who it protects, and what California renters should do to prepare.

What SB 868 Does: The Plug and Play Solar Act

SB 868 removes the regulatory barriers that have prevented California renters from installing plug-in solar. These systems — also called balcony solar — allow individuals to generate electricity by plugging solar panels into a standard GFCI-protected outlet. The bill as passed by the Senate establishes clear guidelines and protections for tenants, prohibiting utilities from charging extra fees and waiving interconnection permit requirements for certified systems.

Key Provisions (As Passed by the Senate)

• 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)

With the Senate passed, SB 868 is closer to law than any California plug-in solar bill has ever been. 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 full California Senate 35-1 on May 20, 2026 and cleared the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee on June 10, 2026. It now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which will hear it in August 2026. The Assembly must pass the bill by August 31, 2026. If passed, Governor Newsom would then have 30 days to sign or veto. A signed bill would take effect January 1, 2027.

How to Prepare Now for Plug-in Solar in California

SB 868 is not yet law — it still needs Assembly passage and the Governor's signature. But with a 35-1 Senate vote, the odds are strong. Here's how California renters can 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 Full Text
• California Assembly Utilities Committee advances balcony solar bill — EWG
• California Senate passes plug-in solar bill — PV Magazine
• California PUC Self-Generation Incentive Program