Plug-In Solar, Professionally Installed. Now Legal in California.

Yes. California's Plug and Play Solar Act (SB 868) was signed into law on September 30, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, homeowners and renters can plug a UL-certified solar system of up to 1,200 watts into a standard outlet with no permit, no utility interconnection agreement and no fees. The exemption is scheduled to sunset January 1, 2030.

Yes. Homeowners in single-family homes, townhomes and condos can use plug-in solar, including homes that already have rooftop solar. No permit or utility interconnection agreement is needed for systems up to 1,200 watts. Homes in an HOA should follow HOA rules on mounting locations, and every installation includes an HOA approval packet. For homes with existing rooftop solar, the installer confirms sizing so NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 rates are not affected.

Plug-in solar is a small system of one to three panels, up to 1,200 watts, that plugs into a standard outlet and mounts on a fence, patio, railing, yard stand or outbuilding. Rooftop solar is a larger permanent system that requires roof work, a building permit and a utility interconnection agreement. Plug-in solar costs a fraction as much and reduces the power a home draws while the sun is up, while rooftop solar can cover most or all of a home's electricity.

Home Solar Hub takes reservations for professionally installed 800W plug-in systems starting at $1,799 in San Diego, Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The starting price includes two 400W panels, a UL 1741-listed microinverter, mounting hardware and installation by a C-10 licensed California contractor. Final pricing depends on the site and mounting conditions and is confirmed in the contractor's written quote. Reservations are free and no-obligation, and installations begin January 2027.

An 800W plug-in system produces roughly 1,000 to 1,300 kWh per year in Southern California sun, about 15 to 20 percent of a typical household's electricity. At SDG&E and SCE rates that is an estimated $300 to $380 per year, so the system pays for itself in about five years and then produces free power for twenty more.

SB 868 allows up to 1,200 watts of output per home. An 800W system produces roughly 1,000 to 1,300 kWh per year in Southern California sun, about 15 to 20 percent of a typical household's electricity. Systems closer to the 1,200-watt limit produce proportionally more, and a dedicated outdoor outlet is recommended at that size.

No permit and no utility interconnection agreement are required under SB 868 for systems up to 1,200 watts. Your utility may require a simple online notification, and with a professional installation booked through Home Solar Hub the installing contractor files it for you.

SB 868 takes effect January 1, 2027, and Home Solar Hub installations begin that month. Reservations are open now and are free. Reserved customers are scheduled first, by zone, across San Diego, Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles counties.

Most professional installations take about half a day. The C-10 licensed California contractor checks the outlet and circuit, mounts and secures the panels, connects and powers up the system, and demonstrates the automatic shutoff.

Panels can go on a fence, patio, balcony railing, yard stand or outbuilding, anywhere with good sun near an outdoor outlet. South- and west-facing spots usually produce the most. The installer mounts and tethers the panels for sun angle and wind, with no roof work.

Usually not. Most systems plug into an existing standard outlet once the installer confirms the outlet and circuit can handle it. For 1,200W systems or older homes, a dedicated 20A outdoor outlet on its own breaker is recommended, available as an add-on from $495.

Yes. A plug-in system mounts on a fence, patio, railing, yard stand or outbuilding, so there is no roof work and no drilling on rentals. Renters and condo owners with a sunny balcony or patio are a core audience for the law, and the installer provides an HOA approval packet.

Yes, renters should get their landlord's approval first. SB 868 removes the permit and utility interconnection requirements, but it does not override lease terms, landlord rules or HOA rules. Because the system plugs into an outlet and needs no drilling or roof work, it is a simpler request than permanent solar, and Home Solar Hub can provide product and installation details to share with the property owner.

The system is portable. It connects to the home through a standard outlet and can be unplugged, taken down and moved to your next home. Reinstalling it at a new address is a separate service visit, and the utility at the new address may require its own online notification.

It should not, but sizing matters. For homes that already have rooftop solar, the installing C-10 contractor confirms sizing before anything is plugged in so existing NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 rates are not affected.

No. A plug-in solar system shuts off automatically within seconds if the grid goes down. That automatic shutoff protects utility line workers and the home, and it is one of the certification requirements under the law. An optional plug-in battery can store afternoon surplus for evening use.

The panels and microinverter carry their standard manufacturer warranties, and the installation is covered by an installation warranty for peace of mind. Warranty details are included in the installing contractor's written quote.

Yes. Reservations are free and no-obligation, and you can cancel at any time. No payment or deposit is collected when you reserve.

Only UL-certified equipment qualifies under the new California law, and much of what is sold online does not meet that standard. Every installation booked through Home Solar Hub uses certified hardware only, sized to the home's circuits and to the legal 1,200-watt limit, with a C-10 licensed California contractor responsible for the work.