CaliforniaCustomers with qualifying plug-in solar would avoid utility approval through 2029
Once this signed law takes effect, customers using qualifying plug-in solar devices would avoid utility approval, fees tied to the device, and added equipment through 2029.
What it does
Through 2029, customers using qualifying plug-in solar devices would avoid grid connection rules and utility approval. Utilities could not demand fees tied to the devices or their power, or added equipment.
Through 2029, utilities could require customers using qualifying plug-in solar devices to give their address and device details on a simple online form. The form cannot require approval.
Starting January 1, 2030, California would bar sales of portable solar devices made to plug into and unplug from building outlets if they fail electrical codes or lack required lab certifications.
Argument forCustomers using qualifying plug-in solar devices could save time and money through 2029 because they would avoid connection agreements, utility approval, and related fees.
Argument againstFrom 2030, buyers might have fewer portable solar devices that plug into building outlets to choose from because sellers cannot offer ones lacking required safety standards.
More detail
Qualifying devices would be exempt from state and utility rules for connecting to the grid. Utilities could not demand prior approval, related fees, or added equipment. This covers customers using devices of no more than 1,200 watts per dwelling that connect through an outlet to offset electricity used there. Devices must meet national and California electrical codes. A recognized lab must certify them for plug-in use and certify a feature that stops power from reaching the grid during an outage. These exemptions and utility limits end on January 1, 2030.
Electric utilities may require customers to give notice through a simple online form. This applies to customers using plug-in solar devices that meet the size, use, electrical code, and lab certification requirements. The form may request the address, make, model, and size of the device. It cannot require utility approval. This option ends on January 1, 2030.
California would bar sales or offers for sale of covered devices that fail the required electrical codes or lab certifications. This covers portable solar devices designed to connect to and disconnect from a building’s electrical system through an outlet. Devices must meet national and California electrical codes. A recognized lab must certify them as plug-in systems and certify a feature that stops power from reaching the grid during an outage. The sales rule begins January 1, 2030.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 30Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 985, Statutes of 2026.Latest
- Sep 30Approved by the Governor Gavin Newsom.Became Law
- Aug 31Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 6 p.m.To Governor
- Aug 26Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 36. Noes 4. Page 5917.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.Major
- Vote recorded Unfinished Business SB868 Wiener et al. Concurrence. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 25In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
- Vote recorded SB 868 Wiener Senate Third Reading By Schultz. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 25Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 6499.) Ordered to the Senate.Passed Assembly
- Aug 20Ordered to third reading.Minor
- Aug 20Read third time and amended.Major
- Aug 18Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- Aug 17Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.Major
- Aug 17From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (August 13).Major
- Aug 17Assembly Rule 63 suspended.
- Aug 13
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 5August 5 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.
- Jun 29July 1 hearing postponed by committee.
- Jun 15Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Major
- Jun 11From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (June 10).Major
- Jun 10
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]. Result: pass.Lower
- May 26Referred to Com. on U. & E.Minor
- May 20In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.Minor
- May 19Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 35. Noes 1. Page 4340.) Ordered to the Assembly.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading SB868 Wiener et al. Result: pass.Upper
- May 14Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- Vote recorded Do pass. Result: pass.Upper
- May 14From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 4255.) (May 14).Minor
- May 8Set for hearing May 14.
- Apr 20April 20 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
- Vote recorded Placed on suspense file. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 10Set for hearing April 20.
- Apr 9April 13 hearing postponed by committee.
- Apr 7From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Major
- Mar 27Set for hearing April 13.
- Mar 24Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Minor
- Mar 24Withdrawn from committee.Major
- Mar 23Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.Major
- Mar 19From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 14. Noes 0. Page 3588.) (March 17).Major
- Mar 17
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Judiciary]. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 9Set for hearing March 17.
- Mar 5From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E., U & C.Major
- Feb 11Referred to Coms. on E., U & C. and JUD.Minor
- Jan 6From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 5.
- Jan 5Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.Introduced
Environment & EnergyConsumer Protection