What's happening
What is changing for plug-in solar in Canada and around the world. Every entry links to its source.
Western Australia's government says it will be the first Australian state to make plug-in solar panels and batteries legal, with renters and apartments in mind. It opened a consultation on a technical standard. It estimates a typical kit could save about A$240 a year.
Rep. Rob Menendez introduced H.R. 10851, the Socket Full of Sunshine Act. It would ask every state to consider exempting plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 W from interconnection agreements, and fund rebates of up to US$1,000 for low- and moderate-income households. It is in committee.
Governor Gavin Newsom approved SB 868. The law exempts qualifying plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 W per home from utility approval and interconnection fees. California is the largest US state to allow them.
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act. It removes utility approval and interconnection fees for qualifying devices up to 1,200 W, and limits restrictions by municipalities, landlords and homeowners associations.
New regulations took effect in England, Wales and Scotland. Households can connect a solar kit of up to 800 W through a standard socket, provided it meets the government's interim product specification.
Governor Kelly Ayotte signed SB 540. One qualifying plug-in solar system of up to 1,200 W per customer is exempt from utility approval, interconnection agreements and fees.
Germany's energy regulator counted about 430,000 plug-in solar systems registered in its national register during 2025. That is a count of registered systems added that year, not an estimate of all kits in use.
UL Solutions published UL 3700, an Outline of Investigation for plug-in solar equipment. It covers protections such as shutting off when the grid goes down and keeping the plug safe to touch. A joint Canada-U.S. standard based on it is in development.
Utah's House and Senate passed HB 340 unanimously. The law exempts qualifying portable solar systems up to 1,200 W from utility interconnection requirements.