South Tahoe Now
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 868 (the Plug and Play Solar Act) into law on Wednesday, allowing renters and homeowners to use small plug-in solar panels without utility approval or interconnection fees. These smaller, portable systems are relatively inexpensive and don’t require rewiring or the costly installation fees associated with rooftop solar panels.
California becomes the 10th state to allow what is known as “plug-in” or “balcony” solar sets. More than 30 states and Washington, D.C., have introduced or advanced similar plug-in solar legislation, allowing renters and homeowners to plug small solar kits directly into standard wall outlets without heavy utility red tape.
The newly approved devices are found hanging off balconies, tented in a backyard, and even placed on a roof. SB868 introduces a large population previously left out of the solar panel market – renters, heavy snow areas, bad roofs, apartment dwellers, and those who could not afford the large panels. The plug-in versions could cost from $300 to $2,200 instead of rooftop systems that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Models that will meet state standards are expected to be on sale in mid-2027.
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