{
  "id": 5082904,
  "title": "California passes bill to make plug-in solar systems easier and cheaper to install",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/california-passes-bill-to-make-plug-in-solar-systems-easier-and",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-02T12:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechSpot",
    "slug": "techspot",
    "url": "https://www.techspot.com/news/113703-california-passes-bill-make-plug-solar-systems-easier.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "California lawmakers have recently passed a bill that aims to make it easier and cheaper for residents to install plug-in solar systems. Known as SB 868, the measure creates regulations for these devices, commonly referred to as balcony solar. These compact systems can be mounted on balconies, yards, or roofs, and are designed to offset household electricity usage without the need for extensive wiring or installation costs associated with rooftop solar. The bill received bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.\n\nIf signed into law, compatible plug-in solar systems could be available in California by spring 2027, according to a state Senator Scott Wiener's office. These systems would be limited to generating up to 1,200 watts per home and must meet state and national electrical codes, carry certification from an accredited safety organization like Underwriters Laboratories, and feature equipment that prevents reverse power flow during a power outage. The legislation also replaces the utility interconnection application required for rooftop solar with a free online registration form, expediting the process and reducing costs, which can range from $100 to $800 and take around an hour to complete.\n\nSupporters argue that these plug-in solar systems offer an affordable alternative for renters and those who cannot install traditional rooftop solar due to unsuitable roofs or lack of control over their living spaces. Current plug-in solar equipment costs between $300 and $2,200, significantly less than rooftop solar installations, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Although the systems currently do not fully meet the requirements of SB 868, environmental advocates predict that companies are already developing devices that would comply with the new law. A 400-watt panel could offset approximately 14% of a typical renter's annual electricity bill, saving around $250 per year. A 1,200-watt system could power a window air-conditioning unit.\n\nThe bill aims to reduce power costs for Californians and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, allowing residents to use plug-in solar technology immediately. It follows similar legislation in other states, such as Utah, Colorado, Virginia, Maine, New York, and New Jersey. Germany, a global leader in solar energy, has widely adopted balcony-mounted panels, suggesting that California's large population, high electricity costs, and substantial rental market make it an ideal market for this technology. Utilities expressed safety concerns during the legislative process, but after amendments addressing their concerns, major utility companies now support the bill.\n\nAdopting plug-in solar systems could generate significant savings for California, although the state estimates the program would cost between $200,000 and $500,000 annually to administer. Bright Saver co-founder Cora Stryker praised California's decision to lead the way in this emerging market, though she criticized the bill's sunset provision and other aspects of the final version.",
  "summary": "The bill cleared the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support on Wednesday night and now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom. If he signs it, compatible systems could be available in California by spring 2027, according to staff in state Senator Scott Wiener's office. Read Entire Article",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Hardware",
        "title": "EFF asks California governor to veto bill that would require online age verification — Electronic Frontier Foundation argues bill would result in privacy-invasive checks and step on First Amendment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/eff-asks-california-governor-to-veto-bill-that-would-require-online",
        "published": "2026-09-02T11:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}