SB 868: what plug-in solar legalization actually means right now
California is close to legalizing small solar systems you plug into a wall outlet. Here's the honest, current state of the law, the hardware, and what you can act on today.
BILL STATUS
On Governor's desk
DECISION BY
Sept 30, 2026
TAKES EFFECT
Jan 1, 2027
SYSTEM CAP
1,200 W AC
WHAT THE BILL WOULD ALLOW
＋Small, plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 watts AC per dwelling, connected through a standard outlet
＋No permit or utility interconnection application required for qualifying systems
＋A required anti-backfeed shutoff, so the system doesn't send power out during a grid outage
－No export credit — this lowers your own usage, it doesn't sell power back
＋Must meet current National Electrical Code and California Electrical Code requirements
THE PART MOST COVERAGE LEAVES OUT
The National Electrical Code doesn't yet have a category for plug-in solar at all, and when the safety organization UL tested plug-in solar products already being sold to US consumers, none of them fully met the new UL 3700 standard. That's not a reason to doubt the law — it's a reason no one can honestly tell you "buy this exact product and plug it in" yet. States are legalizing a category faster than certified hardware exists to fill it.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
1Join the waitlist below — you'll hear the moment a fully certified system is available in California, and what it costs.
2If you rent, ask your property manager whether they're tracking this. We're already talking to property managers across the Central Valley.
3Don't buy a "plug-in solar" product today and assume it's legal or safe to connect under SB 868 — verify certification status first.
GET THE UPDATE
We'll email you when the Governor acts and when a certified product ships. Nothing on this page is legal advice.