SB 868 is signed: portable solar takes effect January 1, 2027
Governor Gavin Newsom signed California's SB 868 on September 30, 2026. The bill is now Chapter 985, Statutes of 2026, and takes effect January 1, 2027. That gives qualifying plug-in solar devices a simpler path to use by renters and homeowners, including SDGE customers.
Published .
What changes for SDGE customers
Qualifying devices will be exempt from utility interconnection requirements, including interconnection agreements. Utilities cannot require prior approval, device-related fees, or additional controls beyond those built into the device. They may require a simple online notification with the address and the device's make, model, and size.
These protections apply only to systems meeting every condition in the law: no more than 1,200 watts of combined AC output per dwelling, connection through a receptacle, and use intended to offset electricity consumed onsite. Systems must meet the specified electrical codes, carry UL or equivalent plug-in photovoltaic certification, and include certified protection against feeding the grid during an outage.
The January 1, 2030 sunset remains
The utility exemptions expire January 1, 2030 unless lawmakers extend them. That provides a three-year window starting January 1, 2027. A separate provision beginning in 2030 bars sales of plug-in devices that fail the law's electrical-code, certification, and outage-protection requirements.
Follow-up to our earlier coverage
Our August update covered the bill heading to the governor. The signing completes that step. For background, read our earlier report on SB 868 and SDGE's opposition.