What happened
California lawmakers advanced SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, after Assembly approval. The measure is designed to create a pathway for qualifying small plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts, subject to technical and safety requirements, with additional legislative steps still required before it can become law.
What this means for homeowners
This could create a lower-cost solar entry point for some California homeowners and renters who cannot install a conventional rooftop array. It should not be treated as a replacement for a full home solar system, and the final legal, utility and electrical requirements still matter.
Key points
- The proposal covers qualifying plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts.
- The legislation includes electrical-code and product-certification requirements.
- The bill was still moving through the legislative process as of August 26, 2026.
How we use this information
Home Solar Atlas does not automatically change calculator assumptions from a news headline. Policy, tariff and incentive changes are incorporated into our data tools only after the applicable dates, eligibility rules and homeowner impact can be represented accurately.