Plug-In Solar News
Law changes, product launches and market updates — sourced, dated, and linked to the evergreen guidance they affect.
News
California SB 868 Reaches Governor (2026)
California SB 868 is on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk, but it is not law. The Assembly passed the final bill 73-0 on August 25, the Senate concurred 36-4 on August 26, and the Legislature presented it on August 31. If enacted and in force, qualifying systems could use a narrow interconnection exemption.
News
US Plug-In Solar Law: Where All 50 States Stand in July 2026
As of July 2026, four states have effective plug-in solar frameworks (Utah, Maine, Maryland, Vermont), four more are signed but not yet in force (Colorado, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Virginia), and 18 states have bills pending. Here is the mid-year state of play and what to watch through the fall.
News
German Lab Test Fails 3 of 5 Balcony Solar Batteries on Interference
Stiftung Warentest, Germany's consumer-testing institute, published laboratory results for balcony solar storage systems: three of five tested products emitted electromagnetic interference above permitted limits. Anker's Solarbank line took the only satisfactory grade; EcoFlow's Stream Ultra was rated poor (4.7). The findings moved several WattRank scores.
News
Nonprofit Bright Saver Takes At-Cost Plug-In Solar Kits Nationwide
Bright Saver, a California nonprofit, is now taking nationwide pre-orders for its at-cost plug-in solar kits: members pay $285.30 for a 180 W panel-and-microinverter kit that lists at $499 for non-members, with a $29 annual membership. It is the lowest-priced legitimate entry point in the US market — with real caveats on coverage and scale.
News
UK Plug-In Solar: Consultation Closes, Commencement Still Unset
The UK government's consultation on legalizing sub-800 W plug-in solar — launched by DESNZ on 16 June 2026 — has closed for responses. The proposed route works through amendments to G98 and BS 7671 plus an interim product specification. Until final regulations and a commencement date land, socket connection remains not verified in force.