Plug-in balcony solar is legal in California in 2027: what to know

If you rent, live in a condo or cannot put panels on your roof, a new California law opens a smaller option. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 868, the Plug Into the Sun Act by Senator Scott Wiener, on September 30, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, Californians can use portable solar devices that plug into a standard household outlet, often called balcony solar.

What the law allows. A qualifying system can produce up to 1,200 watts of AC output for a single home and must be certified by UL or an equivalent testing laboratory. Qualifying devices are exempt from utility interconnection requirements, and utilities cannot require permission or charge fees to install or use them. According to Solar.com, utilities may ask you to register the device through a free online form. The interconnection exemption ends January 1, 2030, unless the Legislature extends it.

What it is and is not. A 1,200-watt kit is a small system meant to offset part of your daytime use. It is a do-it-yourself product, not a replacement for a permitted rooftop system with a battery. California joins nine other states that had already passed plug-in solar laws, according to pv magazine.

When you can buy one. Solar.com reports that no kit on the market met every requirement of the bill when it was signed, with compliant products expected around spring 2027. If you shop before then, look for products that list UL certification and the 1,200-watt limit.

Questions to answer before you buy:

Step 1: If you rent or have an HOA, check your lease or HOA rules about mounting equipment on balconies or railings.

Step 2: Make sure the outlet you plan to use is in good condition. If you are unsure about the circuit, ask a licensed electrician to check it.

Step 3: Watch for registration instructions from your utility before you plug in.

Today's next step: read the bill status on the official leginfo page so you know exactly what was signed.