Plug-In Solar Is Coming to California. Here's What PG&E Customers Should Know

Gov. Newsom recently signed California's Plug and Play Solar Act (SB 868), creating a new pathway for qualifying plug-in solar systems beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The new law is designed to make going solar easier for residential customers who haven’t been able to install rooftop solar, like some renters and apartment residents, by allowing small solar systems to connect through a plug rather than being hard-wired.

What Is plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar refers to a solar electric system that:

• Connects to a home's electrical system through a plug.
• Has a maximum output of 1.2 kilowatts (kW) per dwelling.
• Meets specific safety requirements established under California law.

How plug-in solar works

Plug-in solar is intended to offset a customer's electricity consumption and help lower your bill. During the day, electricity generated by the solar panels can power appliances and devices in the home, reducing the amount of electricity used from the grid.

While plug-in solar is intended to offset onsite electricity consumption, if the system produces more electricity than the home is using at that moment, some of that electricity may flow back to the electric grid. This is sometimes called exporting or backfeeding.

Unlike most rooftop solar systems that go through the interconnection process, customers will not receive bill credits for electricity from a plug-in solar device that gets exported back to the grid.

Safety comes first

A plug-in solar device may look like a simple consumer product, but it is still a power-generating device connected to a building's electrical system.

That is why California's new law requires plug-in solar systems to meet several safety standards, including:

• Compliance with National Electrical Code and California Electrical Code requirements.
• Certification as a plug-in photovoltaic system by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
• Certified protections that automatically isolate the system and prevent electricity from backfeeding to the grid during a power outage.

These critical safeguards help reduce fire risk and protect customers, first responders and utility crews who may be working on the electric system during an outage.

Customers should look for products that clearly identify the entire system as certified to UL 3700, the national plug-in solar safety standard, including clear requirements for the building’s wiring where the device will be plugged in. This certification is particularly important because of key differences between electrical systems and products in the United States versus other countries where plug-in solar is more common.

How much could customers save?

Savings depend on many factors, including:

• System size.
• Sunlight exposure.
• How much of the produced electricity is used in real time.

PG&E estimates a qualifying 1.2-kW plug-in solar system could save customers approximately $50 to $800 per year. Actual savings may vary substantially from customer to customer.

Customers must notify PG&E

While qualifying plug-in solar systems do not require interconnection approval starting next year, California law allows utilities to require customers to provide basic information about their system.

PG&E requires customers using plug-in solar to notify us of:

• The installation address.
• The make and model of the system.
• The size of the system.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, PG&E plans to provide a simple online notification form for customers. Until then, customers should provide information or send questions about plug-in solar to PG&E's dedicated plug-in solar email inbox: plugin_solar@pge.com.

This information helps PG&E understand where generating equipment is connected to the system and supports safe grid operations.

What about interconnection?

Interconnection is the process PG&E uses to review and approve electric generators connected to the grid, including rooftop solar systems, batteries and other customer-owned generating equipment.

Under California's Plug and Play Solar Act, beginning next year and going through January 1, 2030, qualifying plug-in solar systems that meet the law's safety requirements and are 1.2 kW or smaller do not need to go through the traditional utility interconnection process.

Systems that do not meet these requirements (for example if they exceed the 1.2-kW limit), do not meet California's safety requirements, or are used on a non-residential property, are still subject to interconnection requirements. Learn more about the interconnection process here: Interconnections | PG&E

And customers can learn more about installing rooftop solar here: Getting Started with Solar | PG&E

Other frequently asked questions

Will plug-in solar provide backup power to my home during an outage?

No. For safety reasons, qualifying plug-in solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage and do not provide backup power to the home.

Can I use plug-in solar if I already have rooftop solar?

PG&E is continuing to evaluate how plug-in solar works with existing interconnected solar systems, including impacts to customers’ ongoing eligibility for the Net Billing Tariff (NBT) Net Energy Metering (NEM) tariffs, and will provide additional guidance before Jan. 1, 2027.

Does PG&E charge fees for plug-in solar?

No. California law prohibits fees for plug-in solar systems that meet the requirements of the law, including safety certifications and having a maximum output of 1.2 kW per dwelling.

Do I get bill credits if my plug-in solar system sends power to the grid?

No. Customers do not receive bill credits for electricity exported by a plug-in solar system.

Does plug-in solar work with battery energy storage?

Some products may include batteries, but California's exemption from the interconnection process does not include battery systems. Plug-in solar systems that include batteries must go through the interconnection process.

Is plug-in solar available for businesses?

No. Under California law, plug-in solar is limited to dwelling units. Non-residential customers installing solar generation equipment must continue to follow existing interconnection requirements.

The bottom line

PG&E supports expanding access to clean energy technologies, including plug-in solar.

California's new law creates an opportunity for more customers, especially renters and residents who may not have been able to install traditional rooftop solar, to participate in the clean energy transition and save on their electricity bill. At the same time, the law includes important standards to help ensure these systems operate safely and reliably.

As the Jan. 1, 2027, implementation date approaches, PG&E will continue providing customers with information about eligibility, safety requirements and how to get the most value from a plug-in solar system.