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California Lawmakers Pass Plug-In Solar Bill

California lawmakers approved a balcony solar bill alongside legislation addressing data center rate structures and artificial intelligence restrictions as the legislative session closed. The plug-in solar measure cleared the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support on Wednesday night. It now sits before Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature. Supporters indicate that using plug-in solar kits at home could save residents up to $450 a year by making residential installations both easier and cheaper.

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What changed

Legislative approval was finalized on Wednesday night with bipartisan support, advancing the balcony solar bill directly to the governor.

Live updates

  1. California Legislature Passes Plug-In Solar and Utility Bills

    California lawmakers approved a balcony solar bill alongside legislation addressing data center rate structures and artificial intelligence restrictions as the legislative session closed. The plug-in solar measure cleared the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support on Wednesday night. It now sits before Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature. Supporters indicate that using plug-in solar kits at home could save residents up to $450 a year by making residential installations both easier and cheaper.

    Why it matters

    The state legislature also addressed energy infrastructure by passing proposals on data center rate structures during the session. Lawmakers declined to shield utilities from wildfire liability, causing stock prices for Pacific Gas and Electric and Edison International to tumble by 20% and 23% respectively. These energy votes unfolded while the Democratic-controlled Legislature rushed through a torrent of more than two dozen bills aimed at curbing artificial intelligence and social media use by minors.

    What is confirmed

    • The California Legislature passed a balcony solar bill that makes plug-in solar systems easier and cheaper to install.
    • The plug-in solar bill cleared the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support on Wednesday night.
    • The legislation now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Using plug-in solar kits at home could save residents up to $450 a year.
    • The decision not to shield utilities from wildfire liability caused stock prices for Pacific Gas and Electric and Edison International to tumble by 20% and 23%.
    • California Democrats passed more than two dozen measures restricting various uses of artificial intelligence and curtailing how social media companies products can be used by minors as the session came to a close Monday night.

    What to watch next

    • Governor Gavin Newsom signing or vetoing the plug-in solar bill.
    • Implementation timelines for plug-in solar kits once signed into law.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.nbcnews.com — California Democrats pass more than 20 bills to curtail AI and social media
    2. finance.yahoo.com — Wildfire costs loom over California legislative session that passed solar, data center bills
    3. www.techspot.com — California passes bill to make plug-in solar systems easier and cheaper to install
    4. tech.yahoo.com — Another US state joins the plug-in solar revolution —California just approved its balcony solar bill, and it could save you up to $450 a year
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  2. California Legislature passes plug-in and community solar bills

    The California Legislature passed several pro-solar bills, including a measure allowing plug-in solar panels and the industry-backed Community Renewable Energy Program Act (AB 1813). These bills now await the governor's signature. The legislation aims to expand solar access for renters and increase distributed energy sources across the state. By easing installation requirements for residential settings and promoting community-based renewable energy, the state seeks to lower energy costs and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technology.

    Why it matters

    Previous regulations made solar installation difficult for residents without home ownership or roof access. These bills target the removal of those barriers to help renters participate in the energy transition.

    What is confirmed

    • The California State Assembly passed a bill to increase distributed energy sources like solar power.
    • The California State Senate passed AB 1813, the Community Renewable Energy Program Act.
    • Multiple solar-related bills have moved to the governor's desk for final signature.

    What to watch next

    • Governor's signature or veto of AB 1813
    • Governor's decision on the plug-in solar legislation
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.yahoo.com — Zip Trips: Sumner High School Band to perform at the Rose Parade
    2. pluribusnews.com — Plug-in solar headlines wave of green bills passed in California
    3. www.solarpowerworldonline.com — California Legislature passes string of pro-solar bills
    4. www.latimes.com — Solar power for renters would get easier with two bills now on the governor’s desk
    5. www.solarpowerworldonline.com — California Senate passes industry-backed community solar bill
    6. apnews.com — California Legislature to vote on wildfire reforms after blocking key parts of Newsom’s plan
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  3. California Legislature Passes Plug-In Solar Bill

    California lawmakers passed a bill that permits the use of plug-in solar panels, often called balcony solar, which users can connect directly into wall outlets. The legislation has moved to the governor for a final signature. The measure aims to reduce energy costs and increase access to affordable clean energy by easing the requirements for installing solar technology in residential settings.

    Why it matters

    Traditional solar installations typically require professional mounting and complex electrical integration. This legislation targets a more accessible model that allows renters or homeowners to deploy smaller systems without extensive infrastructure changes.

    What is confirmed

    • California lawmakers passed a bill allowing the use of plug-in solar panels.
    • The legislation is referred to as balcony solar.
    • The bill has been sent to the governor for signature.

    What to watch next

    • The governor's decision to sign or veto the bill
    • Official implementation dates for the new solar regulations
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. Bloomberg.com — California Moves Closer to Approve Plug-in Solar
    2. Solar Power World — California sends balcony solar bill to governor for signature
    3. The Mercury News — California moves closer to approving plug-in solar
    4. KQED — California Lawmakers Greenlight Solar Panels You Can Plug Into the Wall
    5. The New York Times — California Lawmakers Pass Plug-In Solar Bill
    6. CleanTechnica — California Legislature Approves Bill Easing Access to Clean, Affordable "Balcony Solar"
    7. 10TV — California passes legislation allowing plug-in or 'balcony' solar
    8. www.usatoday.com — California lawmakers pass plug-in solar bill, aimed at reducing costs
    9. www.yahoo.com — Popular '90s Actor Dies at 52 After Battling for Months in Hospital: 'God Called Him Home'
    10. www.yahoo.com — Trump's "Lake America" Order & Breaking Down Numbers in Texas Senate Race
    11. www.mercurynews.com — California Legislature
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