California

CA

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

Pending
Current Status
Last verified: April 2026

Legislative Status

Passed Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee 14-0. 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. Next: Senate Judiciary Committee.

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.

California Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate31.4¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
20¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$530/yr
Last UpdatedApril 2026
Calculate CA Savings
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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.

Effective DateJanuary 1 of the year following signing (standard California effective date)
Wattage Limit1,200 watts AC per dwelling
UL 3700Not mentioned
PermitNot addressed
Utility ApprovalWaived (utilities may only require simple online registration of address and size; registration shall not require approval)
UL 3700 DetailsMust be certified as a plug-in photovoltaic system by UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory (aligns with UL 3700 scope but does not name it)
HOA / DeedNot addressed in the bill text.
RentersNot explicitly addressed; applies broadly to any "customer" of an electrical corporation or publicly owned utility.
Net MeteringNot explicitly addressed. Device is exempt from all interconnection requirements.
What Makes This State Unique

Applies to both investor-owned utilities and local publicly owned electric utilities. Prohibits any fee or charge related to the device or the electricity it feeds into the building. Requires UL-certified anti-islanding feature. Must meet both NEC and California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3).

Notable Gaps

Does not address HOA restrictions. Does not explicitly address renter rights. Does not address net metering or compensation for excess generation. Does not reference UL 3700 by name.

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.

Official Bill Reference

Passed Senate Energy Committee 14-0 · In Senate Judiciary Committee (March 2026)
View Full Bill Text — SB 868

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

California State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours5.84 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,304 kWh/yr
Best MonthsJune, July, August

The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file that represents a multi-year historical period for Sacramento, CA for a Fixed (open rack) photovoltaic system. The kWh range is based on analysis of a nearby data site.

Major Utilities
Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
~5.5 million customers
Net metering
Southern California Edison Co.
~3.2 million customers
Net metering
San Diego Gas & Electric Co.
~1.49 million customers
Net metering
Liberty Utilities
~51,551 customers
Net metering
Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc.
~5,200 customers
Net metering

Population
39,431,263
Total Households
13,548,091
Owner-Occupied
7,590,948
Renter-Occupied
5,957,143
Single-Family Homes
8,408,401
Apartment Units (5+)
3,583,005
Median Income
$99,122
Median Home Value
$734,700

44% of California households are renter-occupied — approximately 5,957,143 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

Coloradoia 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.

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 →

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News Coverage

Media coverage of plug-in solar developments in California.

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

Canary MediaFebruary 2026

Balcony Solar That Can Boost Adoption Of DIY Solar Systems Being Considered By 28 States

The Ashland ChronicleFebruary 2026

Plug-in solar currently exists in a legal gray area in many states

CNNMarch 3, 2026