SACRAMENTO – The Environmental Working Group today applauds the state Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee for advancing a bill that will help Californians tackle sky-high energy bills by installing small “balcony solar” systems in their homes.
The Plug and Play Solar Act, SB 868, would cut the red tape blocking these affordable systems from being placed in apartments, condos and single-family homes. The bill would also ensure the systems meet strict safety standards.
The bill is authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by EWG and the Abundance Network. The legislation cleared the Senate last month. The Assembly Appropriations Committee will debate it in August.
“Balcony solar lets California residents place a small solar panel on a sunny patio or balcony, plug it into a regular wall outlet and start saving on their electricity bill right away,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG’s senior vice president for California.
Balcony solar already thrives in Europe, with over 4 million systems installed in Germany alone. And efforts to ease their deployment continue to gather steam in other countries.
But in the U.S., regulatory barriers have kept this technology out of reach for many. SB 868 removes those barriers while setting statewide safety standards.
Other states are also taking steps to make these systems more accessible, including in New York, where a balcony solar bill now sits on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.
‘Powerful cost-cutting tool’
“Installing balcony solar is as simple as plugging an appliance like a toaster into a standard wall outlet,” said Del Chiario. “At a time when many struggle to pay their energy bills, balcony solar is a powerful cost-cutting tool.”
A single 400-watt balcony solar system can cover roughly 14% of the average apartment’s electricity usage, providing savings of about $250 per year. While the cost of balcony solar starts around $500 today, with broader adoption enabled by SB 868, EWG expects costs to fall, making solar even more accessible to renters and low-income households.
California electricity rates have nearly doubled over the past decade, leaving the state with the nation’s second-highest energy prices. SB 868 provides consumers with a straightforward way to take control of their energy bills.
The bill ensures these plug-and-play systems meet strict safety standards. All systems must be certified by UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, the global independent safety science company, or an equivalent national testing lab. To protect utility workers and prevent electrical hazards, systems must automatically shut off within seconds if the grid goes down.
System size is capped at 1,200 watts, enough to power everyday appliances such as fridges, lights, Wi-Fi routers and window AC units.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
