Plug-in solar for SCE customers

Your rate

On Jun 1, 2026, SCE’s average residential rate was 34.4¢ per kWh before the California Climate Credit. That compares with 33.7¢ for PG&E and 45.5¢ for SDG&E (NRG Clean Power). Your plan may differ, so enter the rate from your bill in the calculator for a better estimate.

SCE and the law

SCE moved from opposed to neutral on plug-in solar (TechSpot). Governor Newsom signed the law on Sep 30, 2026 (LegiScan), and it takes effect Jan 1, 2027 (official bill page). It covers certified plug-in devices of up to 1,200 watts AC per dwelling (final text).

Telling SCE

SCE may require a simple online form with your address and the device’s make, model and size. It can’t require approval, fees or extra equipment (final text, §8531(b)–(c)).

As of Oct 2, 2026, we haven’t found an SCE plug-in solar registration form. That doesn’t mean nothing is required: SCE may still ask you to notify it, so check with SCE before you plug in, and get an alert from us when a form appears. Until compliant kits arrive, owners must still register current products like rooftop solar (KQED).

What you won’t get

• No payment for extra power. Savings come only from power your home uses as it’s made (NRG Clean Power).
• No backup power. The device shuts off during an outage (final text, §8530(c)(6)).
• No federal tax credit. The residential clean energy credit (25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 (IRS).

2030

SB 868’s protections for plug-in solar, including the limits on utility approval, fees and equipment, apply only until Jan 1, 2030, when that part of the law is repealed. From that date, plug-in devices that don’t meet the code and certification rules can’t be sold in California (final text, §8531(e) and §8532).

Next steps

• Estimate your savings with your SCE rate.
• Read California’s plug-in solar law, explained.
• Watch the kit tracker for the first California-compliant kit.