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California gives the green light to balcony solar
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- DeepHorus
California is expanding household solar access after Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills on September 30. One legalizes plug-in “balcony solar” for renters and others unable to use rooftops, while two address home devices and grid planning. The package could broaden distributed energy participation.
SB 868, state Senator Scott Wiener’s Plug and Play Solar Act, lets systems on balconies, patios or backyards connect to a 120-volt outlet and power appliances. Households may produce up to 1,200 watts AC. Devices need electrical-code compliance, UL or equivalent certification and outage protection against grid power flow.
Utilities cannot require interconnection agreements, approval or device fees for qualifying systems; they may request online notice of the address, make, model and size. The exemptions expire January 1, 2030. This removes a barrier for apartment residents and homeowners with unsuitable roofs.
SB 913, authored by state Senator Josh Becker, directs regulators to improve how home batteries, electric vehicles, smart thermostats and other devices can serve as virtual power plants. Coordinated resources would gain a clearer route toward utility reliability requirements. Regulators have until June 30, 2028, to make the changes.
SB 905 requires large investor-owned utilities to disclose grid congestion, off-peak capacity and tight areas. They must assess whether batteries or shifting use to quieter hours could replace costlier conventional upgrades. Regulators must also consider lower shareholder returns on some investments and cheaper infrastructure financing.
Together, the measures seek to use existing household resources, improve reliability and restrain utility costs. The Climate Center’s Kat Lockwood said they offer relief from high bills and a foundation for climate action and affordability. Regulators will shape virtual-power-plant and financing rules, while utilities handle reporting and notices. The 2028 and 2030 deadlines will show whether customers receive meaningful savings.
