California Legislature Approves Bill Easing Access to Clean, Affordable “Balcony Solar”

California lawmakers have passed a bill that would make it easier to use "balcony solar" — small, plug-in solar panels that homeowners and renters can set up themselves, similar to plugging in an appliance. The bill, SB 868, would remove the requirement to get a utility interconnection agreement before installing one of these systems, a process that has been costly and slow. It now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has 30 days to sign or veto it. If signed, the exemption from needing utility sign-off would last until January 1, 2030, though lawmakers could extend it later.

The systems covered by the bill are capped at 1,200 watts, enough to run things like a fridge, lights, a Wi-Fi router, or an air conditioner. They'd need safety certification from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or an equivalent lab, and would have to shut off automatically within seconds if the power grid goes down. A single 400-watt unit can cover about 14% of an average apartment's electricity use, saving roughly $250 a year; these systems currently start around $500, though supporters expect prices to drop if the market grows.

This matters most if you rent or own in California and have a balcony, patio, or yard where you could plug in a small panel without a full rooftop solar installation or utility approval process. California would join Utah and eight other states that have already eased rules for balcony solar, and a similar bill is awaiting a signature in New York. Check your own state's rules, since they vary.