California Lawmakers Advance Bill to Legalize Plug-In Solar Panels for Residential Use
California lawmakers have passed SB 868, a bill designed to formally legalize plug-in, or 'balcony,' solar systems. These small, portable, and relatively inexpensive solar devices can be plugged into standard electrical outlets, eliminating the need for complex rewiring or costly professional installation typically associated with rooftop solar. The legislation, which received bipartisan support in both the state assembly and senate, now awaits Governor Newsom's signature. If signed into law, the bill would streamline the process for residents to adopt solar energy by replacing the current cumbersome interconnection application with a simple, free online registration. This move aims to make solar power accessible to a broader demographic, including renters, individuals with unsuitable roofs, and those who cannot afford traditional rooftop solar installations. The bill specifies that these systems must be capped at 1,200 watts per home, plug into a standard outlet, offset onsite electricity use, meet state ...