{
  "id": 5328794,
  "title": "California lawmakers approve plug-in solar bill— as authorities promise potential savings of up to $450 a year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/california-lawmakers-approve-plug-in-solar-bill-as-authorities",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-03T12:14:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/home/energy-saving/california-lawmakers-approve-plug-in-solar-bill-as-authorities-promise-potential-savings-of-up-to-usd450-a-year"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "California lawmakers have recently passed a bill, Senate Bill 868, to legalize the use of plug-in solar panels in the state. The regulation, dubbed the Plug and Play Solar Act, permits the installation of solar kits up to 1,200 watts, which can be connected to a standard household outlet. All that is needed for the approval process is a simple online registration form.\n\nThe bill allows residents to tap into solar energy without the high costs or legal hurdles typically associated with rooftop solar installations. Users can simply attach the kits to a balcony, wall, or backyard and connect them via a plug. The solar energy produced is then offset against the home's existing electricity usage, potentially saving homeowners up to $450 per year.\n\nWhile Utah was the first U.S. state to legalize plug-in solar in 2025, other states have followed suit, including New York, which is currently awaiting the governor's signature on the legislation. Similar proposals are pending in seven other states.\n\nThe new law is particularly beneficial for renters, as it enables solar energy options without making any permanent changes to rental properties. Furthermore, the kits can be easily removed and transported with the tenant when moving to a new residence.\n\nAlthough retailers are still struggling to meet the demand for plug-in solar kits, some startups, such as Bright Saver, are filling the gap by offering affordable options, with some panels starting at less than $300 and a yearly subscription for $29. The technology has already gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, and was recently legalized in the United Kingdom. More states are expected to follow California's lead in the coming months and years.",
  "summary": "California is the latest state in the US to approve the use of plug-in solar kits for residents to use at home.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "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"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechSpot",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-02T12:03:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}