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Assembly committee advances bill to let renters plug in balcony solar with safety standards
Summary
SB 868 (the Plug and Play Solar Act) cleared the committee with amendments that cap device output at 1,200 watts and require compliance with safety standards; supporters said it will expand access for renters and reduce bills, while utilities warned of backfeed and worker safety concerns.
The committee passed SB 868, which would let Californians—especially renters—install small plug‑in solar devices without undergoing the full interconnection process, provided the devices meet defined safety and output limits.
Senator Wiener, the bill's sponsor, said the measure removes red tape and helps people who cannot afford rooftop systems. "These devices are devices that you plug into an outlet... and you can put it on a balcony... and it will generate a limited amount of solar energy that can power appliances in your home," the senator said, adding that the bill does not allow export to the grid and imposes safety and size caps.
Supporters described affordability benefits. Bernadette Del Piero, senior vice president with the Environmental Working Group, estimated a 400‑watt system could cover about 14% of a typical renter’s annual electricity bill and save approximately $250 per year. Melvin Willis of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment said portable solar plus battery storage could keep medical devices running during outages.
Utilities and technicians urged caution. Charice Blackwood of San Diego Gas & Electric testified that removing utility review could increase backfeed risks, threaten field‑crew safety and hamper circuit management; she said SDG&E completes interconnection approvals for more complex rooftop systems in under three days and urged retaining a fast technical review.
Author and witnesses noted committee amendments that cap device output at 1,200 watts, require adherence to UL and California Electric Code standards, and allow utilities limited modeling/registration authority. Several members who represent districts with many renters supported the bill but asked the author to continue working with labor and utilities on technical details.
The committee approved the measure as amended and sent it to appropriations; the roll was left open for absent members to add on.
