Plug-in solar rules in California

Is plug-in solar allowed in California?

SB 868 (Statutes of 2026, ch. 985) has been passed and takes effect on January 1, 2027. The current rules apply until January 1, 2030.

How much power can I connect?

Up to 1,200 W of inverter output per home.

What do I need to do?

Check these requirements before you connect a kit.

• Certified as a plug-in photovoltaic system by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, with a certified feature that prevents backfeeding during an outage; meets the National Electrical Code and the California Electrical Code.
• Your utility may ask you to register the kit.

Can a landlord or HOA stop me?

Renters have no specific protection. Homeowners associations (HOAs) can set their own rules.

Will I be paid for power I export?

We have not verified this yet.

Other details

Your utility may ask you to register the kit with a simple online form (address, make, model and size), but cannot require approval. The exemption applies until January 1, 2030; from then on, kits that do not meet the conditions cannot be sold.