Balcony Solar Installations Are Now Legal In America's Most Populous State

California will allow up to 1,200W installations, but panels must be certified by an outside safety organization.

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California has joined nine other US states in approving plug-in solar installations, more commonly known as balcony solar. The Plug and Play Solar Act was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law by governor Gavin Newsom on September 30th. "These small, easy-to-use solar panels will give everyone, including renters, the relief they desperately need on our outrageous energy bills," said the bill's author, state senator Scott Wiener.

Balcony solar kits consist of at least one solar panel and a microinverter to convert DC to 120V AC power, along with a battery backup for those who want power in the evening. They are relatively inexpensive compared to regular rooftop installations as they can be self-installed and (usually) plugged into a standard AC socket.

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