California Legislature passes plug-in solar bill, easing rooftop installations

California lawmakers approved Senate Bill 868 to allow residents to install small solar panels on balconies and other spaces without utility approval, a step toward wider distributed solar adoption modeled on successful programs in Germany.

First covered Aug 26, 2026 · 5:07 AM PT · 4 articles · no longer in the live window

California Legislature passes plug-in solar bill, easing rooftop installations — Image via pv-tech.org

Coverage

31d CleanTechnica California Legislature Approves Bill Easing Access to Clean, Affordable “Balcony Solar” — SB 868 would end red tape blocking millions from utility bill savings SACRAMENTO — The Environmental Working Group today applauds the California Legislature…

31d Canary Media California Legislature passes balcony solar bill — Californians could soon put solar panel kits on balconies and in backyards to lower their electric bills — without utility approval.

31d PV Magazine California plug-in solar bill earns approval of both legislative houses — The California state Assembly has passed SB 868, known as the Plug and Play Solar Act. Pending Senate concurrence in amendments made to the bill by the…

31d PV Tech California Assembly approves balcony solar bill, awaits Senate and Governor Newsom — California’s Assembly has unanimously voted in favour (73-0 and six no votes registered or NVR) of a balcony solar bill, Senate Bill 868.

Primary sources

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov Bill Text - SB-868 Electricity: portable solar generation devices.

Related coverage

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More coverage from around the web

a1solarstore.com California's Balcony Solar Bill Clears Assembly Committee

ewg.org California Assembly utilities committee advances bill cutting red tape for ‘balcony solar’

pv-magazine-usa.com California plug-in solar bill advances after another unanimous vote - pv magazine USA

ewg.org California Legislature approves bill easing access to clean, affordable ‘balcony solar’

solarpowerworldonline.com California sends balcony solar bill to governor for signature

Appeared in: 2026-08-26 (#1) · 2026-08-27 (#1)

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