Status as of September 23, 2026: SB 868 is waiting on Governor Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto it. If signed, it takes effect January 1, 2027.
One of the most common questions we get: “Should I wait for SB 868 before buying plug-in solar?” The answer comes down to one word: backfeeding.
What is backfeeding?
A plug-in solar system powers whatever is running in your home first. If the panels produce more than your home is using at that moment, the extra power flows out through your meter and onto the utility grid. That is backfeeding, or exporting.
Exporting to the grid is exactly what utility interconnection rules are designed to control. Under today's rules, a system that sends power to the grid is expected to go through your utility's interconnection process first, and doing so without approval can put you out of line with your utility's rules.
What SB 868 changes
If signed, SB 868 exempts certified plug-in systems up to 1,200 watts AC per home from interconnection requirements, utility approval and utility fees. In practice, that means a qualifying device could occasionally push a little power back to the grid without you needing an interconnection agreement or facing a utility penalty for it. Utilities could still ask you to register the device with a simple online form. Two things to know:
- The exemption starts January 1, 2027 at the earliest, and only if the Governor signs.
- SB 868 does not create a way to get paid for exported power. It is designed for offsetting your own usage.
The zero-export solution you can use now
A zero-export smart meter takes backfeeding off the table. Our APsystems EZ1-LV kits include the APmeter, which measures what your home is drawing in real time and tells the microinverter to throttle down so its output never exceeds your usage. The result:
- Every watt your panels make is used inside your home.
- Nothing is pushed back onto the grid, so there is no backfeeding to worry about.
- You still get the benefit: lower draw from the utility while the sun is out.
That is why we only sell the EZ1 with the APmeter. You don't have to wait for SB 868 to start using plug-in solar; the zero-export setup is designed to keep your system on your side of the meter from day one.
Good practice before you plug in
- APsystems notes the APmeter is installed at your electrical panel by a qualified professional. Plan for that step.
- Utility rules differ. It is worth a quick check with your utility about any notice requirements for non-exporting systems in your area.
- Use an outdoor-rated, GFCI-protected outlet and keep your total within the kit's rated output.
See the zero-export plug-in kit →
This article is general information, not legal advice. SB 868 details are based on the enrolled bill text (August 28, 2026).