State Tracker

California

CA

SB 868 — Distributed Energy Resources: Plug-In Solar Devices

Pending
Current Status
Last verified: March 2026

Legislative Status

Passed Senate Energy Committee 12-0. Next goes to Senate Judiciary Committee. Strong support from consumer advocates.

Sponsored by: Sen. Josh Becker

Legislation Progress

Passed Committee

50%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Passage Likelihood

68%

Passed Senate Energy Committee 14-0 (unanimous). California has the 2nd highest electricity rates ($0.314/kWh) and largest state economy. Strong consumer and environmental advocacy. Utility opposition (PG&E, SCE) is the main risk. Long session (ends Aug 31) gives ample time.

Session Deadline

August 31, 2026

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

Senate Judiciary Committee vote expected April 2026. Full Senate vote May–June. Assembly vote July–August. Governor Newsom signature expected if passed.

Key Provisions

Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from CPUC interconnection requirements. Prohibits utilities from charging extra fees. Allows self-installation. Given California's high rates ($0.314/kWh), savings potential is significant.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

If passed: self-install without PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E approval. At $0.314/kWh, an 800W system could save $350+ per year.

Current Limitations

Law not yet enacted. California utilities currently require interconnection agreements for any grid-tied system.

Available Rebates & Incentives

California Active Solar Energy System Exclusion exempts solar system value from property tax (through Jan 1, 2027). Net Billing (NEM 3.0) provides export credits locked for 9 years if interconnected before Jan 1, 2027. DAC-SASH provides $3/W for low-income customers in disadvantaged communities. SGIP offers battery storage rebates. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.

Official Bill Reference

Passed Senate Energy Committee 12-0 · In Senate Judiciary Committee (March 2026)
View Full Bill Text — SB 868

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Limited Retail Electricity Choice

California has limited retail electricity choice. Some customers in certain utility territories may be able to access plug-in solar through an energy provider bundle.

Learn about REP partner offers →

California Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate31.4¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
20¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings~$452/yr
Last UpdatedMarch 2026

Battery storage is especially valuable here. A 20¢/kWh TOU spread means you save an extra 20¢ for every kWh you shift from peak to off-peak hours — on top of your base solar savings.

Calculate CA Savings
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This information is for educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Consult a local attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.