PLUGWATTS / SMALL SOLAR GUIDES
California plug-in solar: what changes in 2027
By PlugWatts editorial · Sources checked October 5, 2026 · AI-assisted research and review
California’s new plug-in solar exemption is expected to start January 1, 2027. It is not permission to connect today. Before ordering, check whether the exact kit qualifies, what your utility requires and whether it fits your property.
Jump to a section
When does the new pathway begin?
SB 868 was approved and filed on September 30, 2026. Our reading of its chaptered text and California's ordinary effective-date rule places the start on January 1, 2027. The act has no urgency provision. This is a source-based interpretation, rather than a date printed in the act. Chaptered bill; California Constitution, Article IV, section 8(c).
As of this guide's October 5 review, do not rely on the forthcoming exemption to connect a system today. Use the present requirements for your actual proposal.
Which systems does the bill describe?
The definition includes aggregated AC output of at most 1,200W per dwelling, a receptacle connection, onsite consumption, electrical-code compliance, system certification by a recognized laboratory, and a certified outage-isolation feature. Qualifying systems receive interconnection exemptions; the utility may still request simple registration. The exemption section expires January 1, 2030. Systems outside the definition do not receive it. Bill, sections 8530–8531.
Keep the model numbers, instructions and certificate together for the system you intend to buy. A brand name, panel wattage or certificate for one component leaves important questions unanswered.
A preparation checklist for your home
| Question | Evidence to collect | Useful next step |
|---|---|---|
| What exactly am I buying? | Models, quantities, revisions, AC output and U.S. instructions | Ask the seller for one consistent configuration sheet |
| What does its certification cover? | Issuer, record number, exact equipment and installation conditions | Match the record to the complete proposal |
| Who serves my address? | Serving utility and current account arrangement | Ask what applies now and where SB 868 registration instructions will appear |
| Can it fit the property? | Dimensions, sunlight observations, mounting/cable proposal and property constraints | Ask the property owner about placement and an electrician about the proposed connection |
| Does the full cost make sense? | Delivered quote, required work, expected useful energy and actual tariff | Compare the savings worksheet |
Keep the quote, certificate and utility response with your project notes; you do not need to send PlugWatts your account number or electricity bill.
What should I ask my utility?
We have not verified an SB 868 registration form or current implementation instruction for SDG&E, PG&E or SCE in this research pass. Our searches found ordinary solar and backup-program material, which does not settle this specific pathway.
Use a focused question:
“I am researching the attached portable-solar configuration for my address. What requirements apply now, and what instructions will apply under SB 868? Where will any registration be available? How will my meter and billing arrangement treat surplus production, and does my existing solar or battery agreement affect this proposal?”
Save the response and source date. Avoid assigning value to exports until their treatment is established. Our meter and export guide explains which readings to distinguish.
Should I buy a kit now?
If you reserve a kit before its qualification or delivery is confirmed, find out whether you can cancel and recover your payment. Before paying, establish delivery timing, cancellation and return terms, the exact equipment promised, and what happens if it cannot be used at your property.
Use this decision table:
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| The quote and certificate refer to different models | Ask for a quote and certification record naming the same equipment and configuration |
| Delivery or qualification is contingent on future work | Review the contingency and cancellation terms before paying |
| Property placement or electrical work is unresolved | Get the property owner’s response and an electrician’s written assessment of the proposed connection and required work |
| Savings depend on unconfirmed export credits | Recalculate with stated scenarios and resolve billing treatment |
| You have no suitable outdoor space | Compare options for renters |
Use the buyer’s guide to compare included parts, listed prices and seller terms. We have not independently verified complete-system certification for those offers or cleared one for your address.
Your next step
Prepare the equipment record, confirm the utility/property questions and compare the economics. Start with solar basics if you are still choosing between household bill offset and power for selected devices.
Method and corrections
Reviewed against the linked chaptered bill and constitution on October 5, 2026. Equipment suitability and utility implementation require separate evidence. No installation or product test is represented. Research and editorial review were AI-assisted; there are no affiliate links. Send changed primary sources through About & corrections.