Plug-in solar in California
Law passed, not yet in effect Checked November 10, 2026
California's SB 868 takes effect January 1, 2027. Plug-in systems up to 1,200 watts per dwelling are exempt from interconnection rules, and utilities cannot charge fees or require approval, though they may ask you to register the device online. The device must be certified as a complete plug-in solar system.
Effective date: January 1, 2027 (derived from the law's effective-date clause)
The law
| Bill | Stage | Last action | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB 868 Electricity: portable solar generation devices Chapter 985, Statutes of 2026 | Signed into law | Approved by Governor; chaptered by Secretary of State, Chapter 985, Statutes of 2026 (September 30, 2026) | Signed: September 30, 2026 Effective: January 1, 2027 (derived) |
Derived: the law has no urgency or operative-date clause, so it takes effect January 1 of the following year under the California Constitution (art. IV, sec. 8(c)).
The rules
| Rule | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum size (output) | 1,200 W A device (or combination of devices) has a maximum aggregated AC output of no more than 1,200 watts per dwelling (Pub. Util. Code 8530(c)(1)). | Source |
| Panel (DC) limit | No limit set The law caps AC output only. | Source |
| Plug-in batteries | Not mentioned in the law The law does not mention batteries. | Source |
| Tell your utility? | Only if your utility asks Utilities may require a simple online registration with the address, make, model and size; it cannot be an approval (8531(c)). | Source |
| Utility approval needed? | No Utilities may not require approval, fees (including for electricity fed into the building) or extra equipment (8531(b)). | Source |
| Renters and landlords | Not mentioned in the law The law does not mention landlords or tenants. | Source |
| HOAs and condo associations | Not mentioned in the law The law does not mention HOAs. | Source |
| Safety certification required | Certified as a complete plug-in system Must be certified as a plug-in photovoltaic system by UL or an equivalent NRTL, with a certified isolation feature, and meet the NEC and California Electrical Code (8530(c)(4)-(6)). From January 1, 2030, plug-in devices that do not meet these conditions may not be sold in California (8532). | Source |
| Net metering | Not mentioned in the law The law exempts devices from interconnection requirements but does not mention net metering. | Source |
What's next
January 1, 2027: the law takes effect. The utility exemptions in Section 8531 expire January 1, 2030 unless extended; the same date starts a sales ban on non-compliant plug-in devices.
Kits in California
| Kit | AC output | UL 3700 | Fit in California |
|---|---|---|---|
| APsystems EZ1-LV plug-in microinverter | 900 W | Certified (certificate seen), component only | Component certificate only: check with seller certificate |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-391-1WM-LV | 391 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | UL 3700 claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-420-1WM-LV | 420 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | UL 3700 claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 180 W | Not stated | Not certified | Not certified maker’s claim Output not stated, but its panels total 180 W, so it cannot exceed the limit. |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 360 W | Not stated | Not certified | Not certified maker’s claim Output not stated, but its panels total 360 W, so it cannot exceed the limit. |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter | 1,200 W | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter + 2 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels | 1,200 W | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
| EcoFlow STREAM Ultra | 800 W | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
| CraftStrom 800 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 700 W (estimated) | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
| CraftStrom 1200 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 1,050 W (estimated) | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
What these labels mean
- Component certificate only: check with seller
- This state requires UL 3700 (or complete-system certification). The certificate we have seen covers only one part, such as the inverter, so ask the seller whether the complete kit is certified.
- UL 3700 claimed, no certificate seen
- The maker says the product meets UL 3700, but we have not seen a certificate.
- Not certified
- The maker or seller says it is not certified to the standard this state requires.
- No certification evidence found
- We found no certificate and no claim for the certification this state requires.
What could it save?
For an 800 W panel kit at California's average residential price of 32.34¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):
- Ideal tilt (20°, south)
- 1,302 kWh a year: about $290 typical (69% used at home), up to $421 best case (100%)
- Vertical railing (90°, south)
- 792 kWh a year: about $177 typical (69% used at home), up to $256 best case (100%)
"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Sacramento (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted
Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).
Questions
Is plug-in solar legal in California?
Yes. California's SB 868 takes effect January 1, 2027. Plug-in systems up to 1,200 watts per dwelling are exempt from interconnection rules, and utilities cannot charge fees or require approval, though they may ask you to register the device online. The device must be certified as a complete plug-in solar system.
How big can a plug-in solar system be in California?
A device (or combination of devices) has a maximum aggregated AC output of no more than 1,200 watts per dwelling (Pub. Util. Code 8530(c)(1)).
Do I have to tell my utility in California?
Only if your utility asks. Utilities may require a simple online registration with the address, make, model and size; it cannot be an approval (8531(c)).
Can my landlord stop me from using plug-in solar in California?
The California law does not mention landlords, so your lease still governs. The law does not mention landlords or tenants.
What certification does a kit need in California?
Must be certified as a plug-in photovoltaic system by UL or an equivalent NRTL, with a certified isolation feature, and meet the NEC and California Electrical Code (8530(c)(4)-(6)). From January 1, 2030, plug-in devices that do not meet these conditions may not be sold in California (8532).
Which kits are confirmed to qualify in California?
None yet. We have not seen a certificate covering a complete kit, so no kit is marked compatible in California.
Neighbouring states
Related: is it worth it? · railing vs tilted panels · renters guide · all kits · Certification watch · how we verify
Sources
- California Legislative Information: SB-868 bill page (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026) Could not be loaded from our research environment (bot check); facts below come from the Legislature's official bulk data.
- California Legislature public data (pubinfo_2025.zip): SB 868 chaptered version 20250SB86891CHP (Legislature data; accessed November 10, 2026) BILL_TBL lists SB 868 as Chaptered, Statutes of 2026, Chapter 985; chaptered and approved 2026-09-30.
Research note: No urgency clause, so the statute takes effect January 1 of the year after enactment (Cal. Const. art. IV, sec. 8(c)).
This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.