The California legislature passed a bill allowing residents to install balcony solar systems. The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature.

Senate Bill No. 868, also known as the "Plug-and-Play Solar Act," will eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have long prevented the installation of small-scale systems in apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. This legislation will also ensure that these systems meet stringent safety standards.

The bill was introduced by Senator Scott Wiener (Democrat, San Francisco) and was initiated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Abundant Network. After passing the Senate, SB 868 will be submitted to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing.

"This is currently the most exciting clean energy solution," said Bernadette Del Chiaro, Senior Vice President of the EWG in California. "With this bill, California is poised to open the door for average consumers, offering a truly practical and affordable solution."

SB 868 will allow homeowners and tenants to purchase portable solar panels from retailers and plug them in for use without first obtaining a grid connection agreement from the utility company. The time and cost required to secure such agreements have long been a barrier to the large-scale deployment of these systems.

The parliament amended the bill by adding a provision that would revoke internet immunity on January 1, 2030—as requested by utility companies—but Senate Bill 868 grants the market four years to prepare and allows the legislature to revisit the repeal in the future.

SB 868 will also ensure these plug-and-play systems comply with stringent safety standards. All systems must be certified by UL or equivalent national testing laboratories. To protect utility workers and prevent electrical hazards, the systems must automatically shut down within seconds in the event of a grid failure. With a maximum capacity of 1,200 watts, the systems can power everyday appliances such as refrigerators, lighting fixtures, Wi-Fi routers, and air conditioners.

California is not the first state to eliminate balcony solar restrictions. Utah became the first in 2025, and eight other states have passed similar laws since then. California, along with New York, is another state where a balcony solar bill awaits the governor's signature on his desk. Governor Newsom has 30 days to take action on Senate Bill 868.

"California may not be the first to act, but we are the biggest prize," said Del Chiara. "If Governor Newsom signs this bill into law, the scale of our market will undergo a fundamental transformation, accelerating the adoption of this brilliant new approach to addressing climate change and making energy affordable."