The California Assembly has unanimously passed Senate Bill 868, a measure designed to broaden access to renewable energy for apartment dwellers and homeowners. Known as the Plug and Play Solar Act, the legislation allows for the installation of plug-in photovoltaic systems of up to 1,200 watts that connect directly to standard electrical outlets. By simplifying the process for renters and condo owners to adopt solar technology, the bill aims to make clean energy more affordable and accessible. The proposal now moves to the Senate for concurrence on recent amendments before heading to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.
Authored by Senator Scott Wiener, the bill addresses a significant gap in the state’s energy market, as approximately 40% of California households reside in the roughly 14 million rental units across the state. Proponents argue that the portability and lower costs associated with these balcony solar systems provide a practical solution for consumers who have previously been excluded from the solar transition. To ensure safety and reliability, the legislation mandates that all plug-in photovoltaic devices must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or a similar nationally recognized testing laboratory.
The Assembly introduced a sunset provision to the bill, which would expire the current interconnection exemption on January 1, 2030. Supporters, including the Environmental Working Group, have praised the initiative as a vital step toward democratizing energy production. The move aligns California with a growing trend across the United States, as states like Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and New Jersey have recently pursued similar legislation. Utah previously led the way by becoming the first state to authorize the use of plug-in solar systems without requiring prior utility approval.