California has become the tenth U.S. state to legalize plug-in solar installations, commonly referred to as balcony solar. The Plug and Play Solar Act received overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30th.
State Senator Scott Wiener, the bill’s author, emphasized the economic relief the technology offers. “These small, easy-to-use solar panels will give everyone, including renters, the relief they desperately need on our outrageous energy bills,” Wiener said. The legislation officially takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Balcony solar kits typically include one or more solar panels, a microinverter to convert direct current to 120-volt alternating current, and optional battery backups for evening use. Unlike traditional rooftop systems, these units are designed for self-installation and can often be plugged directly into standard AC outlets, making them significantly more affordable.
Under the new law, homeowners and renters will not need to register their systems with utilities, a requirement that currently burdens rooftop installations. Instead, the approval process is intended to be simple, free, and immediate.
However, several regulatory caveats may limit the technology’s accessibility initially. California has set a power cap of 1,200 watts, which is sufficient for running a refrigerator and a few small appliances but considerably less than the 6,000-plus watts typical of rooftop setups. While this aligns with most other states, it is lower than Colorado’s 1,920-watt limit.
The law also mandates UL or equivalent certification. Currently, only one standard, UL3700, applies to plug-in solar. This standard requires components to guard against accidental contact with hazardous parts, overload protection, and reverse current prevention. Crucially, UL3700 mandates a “uniquely configured, non-NEMA plug and receptacle system,” according to PluginSolarUS. This requirement could necessitate the involvement of a certified electrician for many setups, potentially undermining the plug-and-play convenience for renters.
Utilities such as PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill, raising safety concerns and arguing that the technology could force rate hikes for customers without solar panels to cover grid maintenance costs.
Product availability remains limited, with only a handful of UL3700-certified systems currently on the market from manufacturers like Hoymiles, APsystems, and Mango. Bernadette del Chiaro, senior vice president at the Environmental Working Group, which sponsored the bill, told The Los Angeles Times that two additional companies expect certification by year’s end, with products expected on shelves shortly thereafter in 2027.
Will this really cut my PG&E bill, or will they just raise rates for everyone else?
I hope the electrician requirement doesn’t make the installation too expensive for average people.
Finally! Renters can actually generate their own power without needing a landlord’s permission.