California sets 2027 start for certified balcony solar systems
The new law permits plug-in balcony installations up to 1,200 watts, but certification and specialised electrical fittings may limit who can use them.
California’s Plug and Play Solar Act will allow balcony plug-in solar systems of up to 1,200 watts from 1 January 2027. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill on 30 September after it passed with bipartisan support, according to Engadget.
The law requires systems to meet UL or equivalent safety certification. Engadget reports UL 3700 is currently the only applicable standard and requires a non-standard plug and receptacle. That could mean a certified electrician is needed for many installations and make the systems impractical for some renters.
The 1,200-watt ceiling is broadly in line with limits in most other states, the report says, but below Colorado’s 1,920-watt maximum. California is the 10th US state to approve plug-in solar installations.
Environmental Working Group, which sponsored the bill, expects two more companies to receive approval by the end of 2026, with products potentially reaching shelves in 2027. Those approvals and availability remain expectations.
Utilities PG&E and SDG&E opposed the measure, citing safety concerns and possible cost impacts. The law’s certification requirements and installation rules will shape how readily households can use the systems once it takes effect.
