See what plug-in solar would save you in California

Yes, starting Jan 1, 2027, for certified kits — but no kit qualifies yet. Governor Newsom signed the Plug and Play Solar Act (SB 868) on Sep 30, 2026^[1], and it takes effect Jan 1, 2027^[2]. It lets a home use a certified plug-in device of up to 1,200 watts AC without a utility interconnection agreement^[3]. Current products don't meet the requirements yet, so for now owners must still register them like rooftop solar^[4].

It depends on your electricity rate, which way the panels face, shade, and how much of the power you use as it's made. Average residential rates on Jun 1, 2026, before the Climate Credit, were 33.7¢ per kWh for PG&E, 34.4¢ for SCE and 45.5¢ for SDG&E^[5]. The law creates no payment for extra power, so savings come only from power your home uses^[6], and the federal residential clean energy credit expired Dec 31, 2025^[7]. Kits sell for roughly $300 to $2,200^[8]. As one source's estimate, NRG Clean Power puts savings at roughly $230 to $560 a year for a 1,200 W system in Southern California, depending on mounting and how much power is used as it's made^[6]. For a range at your own ZIP code and rate, try the savings calculator.

The law only governs utilities. It says nothing about leases, landlords or HOAs^[1]. If you rent or belong to an HOA, get written permission before you buy^[6]. See our guide for renters and HOA members.

Compliant kits are expected around spring to mid-2027^[9]. The law takes effect Jan 1, 2027^[2]. As of July 2026, no whole boxed kit had UL 3700, the plug-in solar safety standard^[10]. Follow the kit tracker or get launch alerts.

Maybe. Any utility, including SDG&E, PG&E and SCE, may require a simple online form with your address and the device's make, model and size, but it can't require approval, fees or extra equipment^[1]. As of Oct 2, 2026, we haven't found a form from SDG&E, PG&E or SCE, so check with your utility. From Jan 1, 2030, the utility exemption ends^[1].