Plug-in solar for SDG&E customers

Last updated Oct 4, 2026

SDG&E had the highest average residential rate of California's three big utilities on Jun 1, 2026: 45.5¢ per kWh before the Climate Credit (NRG Clean Power), so each kWh of solar you use as it's made is worth that much off your bill. Under the law signed Sep 30, 2026, SDG&E may ask you to fill in a simple online form, but it can't require approval, fees or extra equipment (final text). As of Oct 2, 2026, we haven't found SDG&E's form, but that doesn't mean nothing is required, so check with SDG&E before you plug in.

Your rate

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

SDG&E and the law

SDG&E opposed the bill (KQED). Governor Newsom signed it 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 SDG&E

SDG&E 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 SDG&E plug-in solar registration form. That doesn’t mean nothing is required: SDG&E may still ask you to notify it, so check with SDG&E 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the limits on utility approval, fees and equipment, apply only until Jan 1, 2030, when that part of the law is repealed.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 SDG&E rate.
Read California’s plug-in solar law, explained.
Watch the kit tracker for the first California-compliant kit.

Read the official law text: SB 868, Plug and Play Solar Act (California Legislative Information). This guide is general information, not legal advice. Disclaimer.

Quick answers

What is SDG&E's average electricity rate?

45.5¢ per kWh on Jun 1, 2026, before the California Climate Credit (average residential rate).

Do I have to register plug-in solar with SDG&E?

SDG&E 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. As of Oct 2, 2026, we haven't found SDG&E's form, but that doesn't mean nothing is required, so check with SDG&E before you plug in.

Will SDG&E pay me for extra solar power?

No. California's plug-in solar law creates no payment for extra power. Savings come only from power your home uses as it's made.

Sources

Facts as of Oct 4, 2026.

We'll email you when a California-compliant kit launches.