California has taken a significant step toward expanding access to solar energy for renters and residents unable to install traditional rooftop systems. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plug and Play Solar Act last week, legislation authored by State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) that legalizes small, portable solar panels — often referred to as “balcony solar” — which can be plugged directly into household outlets without prior utility approval.

The bill permits the use of solar panels with a capacity of up to 1,200 watts, sufficient to power a refrigerator and several smaller appliances. This move aims to enable more Californians, including apartment dwellers and renters, to lower their electricity bills by generating part of their energy needs independently. Wiener described the new law as empowering for consumers, particularly those previously unable to participate in solar power adoption.

Portable solar panels of this type have gained popularity in countries like Germany and have been legalized in at least nine other U.S. states. However, the law only applies to products sold within the United States that have been certified as safe by recognized testing organizations, such as UL Solutions. Bernadette del Chiaro, senior vice president at the Environmental Working Group, which co-sponsored the bill, noted that at least two companies anticipate receiving certification by the end of 2024. She added that certified products could be widely available on store shelves early the following year.

Despite widespread interest, some utilities have expressed reservations. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) opposed the bill during legislative discussions, citing safety concerns and the potential for non-solar customers to bear increased costs related to grid maintenance. PG&E spokesperson Paul Doherty acknowledged the need for further work on ensuring consumer protections, safety standards, affordability, and fair operation rules as the program’s implementation advances.

In conjunction with the Plug and Play Solar Act, Newsom signed additional legislation aimed at enhancing the state’s energy infrastructure and fostering distributed energy resources. Senate Bill 905, introduced by Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), directs the state to identify existing power lines that can accommodate increased electricity loads and to evaluate whether technologies such as home batteries and smart thermostats could provide alternatives to costly grid upgrades. Becker’s Senate Bill 913 complements this effort by creating a framework for “virtual power plants”—collections of distributed energy resources that can sell power directly to California’s electricity market.

These legislative developments follow Newsom’s decision to exclude continued funding for the state’s largest virtual power plant from the current budget and his veto of Assembly Bill 1813, which sought to require the California Public Utilities Commission to develop a more robust community solar program. The community solar bill, which would have allowed residents to participate in shared solar projects with discounted rates, was vetoed despite multiple attempts to advance similar measures.