GoKawiilWhat just happened? California lawmakers have passed a bill that would make it easier for residents to use small solar systems that plug into standard electrical outlets. The measure, SB 868, would create rules for plug-in solar systems, often called balcony solar. The devices are small enough to be mounted on a balcony, placed in a yard, or installed on a roof. They are intended to offset electricity used inside a home without requiring the wiring work and installation costs associated with rooftop solar.
The bill cleared the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support on Wednesday night and now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom. If he signs it, compatible systems could be available in California by spring 2027, according to staff in state Senator Scott Wiener's office.
The legislation would allow qualifying systems to generate up to 1,200 watts per home. They would need to plug into a standard outlet, comply with state and national electrical codes, carry certification from an outside safety group such as Underwriters Laboratories, and include equipment that prevents power from flowing back to the grid during an outage.
The bill would also replace the utility interconnection application required for rooftop solar with a free online registration form. That change is central to the legislation's appeal. Existing interconnection processes can add time and cost to systems that are meant to be inexpensive and simple to install.
PG&E representatives said its process can cost customers about $100 to $800 and take around an hour to complete. The utility said approvals generally come within three days. Plug-in solar supporters argue that paying those fees for a small system can sharply reduce the savings and undermine the technology's main advantage.
The systems could offer another option for renters and others who cannot install traditional rooftop solar. Some homes have unsuitable roofs, while many apartment residents do not control the building or have the money for a larger installation.
Plug-in solar equipment currently sells for roughly $300 to $2,200, depending on the size and components. The systems are far less expensive than rooftop solar, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Current products do not yet meet all of the requirements in SB 868, meaning customers still need to follow existing rooftop-solar registration rules. Environmental Working Group Senior Vice President Bernadette Del Chiaro told KQED companies are already working on systems that would qualify under the new law.
Del Chiaro estimated that one 400-watt solar panel could offset about 14% of a typical renter's annual apartment electricity bill, saving about $250 a year. She said the panel could generate enough electricity to support a refrigerator, modem, and Wi-Fi equipment. A larger 1,200-watt system could help run a window air-conditioning unit.
"The bill is meant to help reduce the cost of power for Californians and eliminates red tape, so that people in California can actually use plug-in solar right now," Wiener said during a June Assembly hearing.
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