Plug-in solar for California renters

SB 868 makes certified plug-in solar legal to use in California from Jan 1, 2027 without utility approval,^[source] and pv magazine quotes Sen. Wiener saying these devices benefit "everyone, including renters."^[source] But the law doesn't appear to change your lease.

You still need your landlord's permission

NRG Clean Power's explainer says SB 868 "does not override your landlord," and that "a rental agreement that bars fixtures on the balcony still bars them."^[source] We haven't confirmed this against the full enacted text, so treat permission as required. The same applies to HOA rules.^[source]

The simplest approach is to ask in writing before you buy. A clear, short request that answers your landlord's likely worries (safety, the building, and who is responsible) gets the best results.

A permission letter you can send

Download the letter as a Word file and fill in the blanks, or copy the text below.

[Date]

[Landlord or property manager name]

[Property address]

Dear [Landlord name],

I'm writing to ask for your permission to use a small plug-in solar kit at my unit, [unit number]. California's SB 868 allows households to use certified plug-in solar systems without a utility interconnection agreement, but I understand it may not change my lease, so I'm asking you first.

The kit I'm considering is [brand and model], with an AC output of [number] watts (the law's limit is 1,200 W AC for the whole home). It would sit on [the balcony / patio / a stand] and plug into an outlet. Here is what I propose:

• No drilling, screws or permanent changes to the building. The panels would be secured with [clamps / weighted stand] that come off without damage.
• No changes to the building's wiring. If the kit needs a special outlet or a dedicated circuit, I will ask for your approval first and use only a California-licensed electrician.
• I will only use a system that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and stops sending power to the grid during an outage, as SB 868 requires. I can share the certification details.
• I will remove everything and restore the area when I move out, and I'm happy to discuss any insurance questions you may have.

Could you let me know in writing whether this is OK, or what conditions you'd like? Thank you for considering it.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Phone or email]

Choosing a kit as a renter

• Size: SB 868's limit is 1,200 W AC for all the plug-in devices at your home.^[source] A smaller kit costs less and is easier to take with you.
• Mounting: look for kits sold for balcony rails or walls in our kit tracker. Don't drill or attach anything to the building without permission.
• Safety on the balcony: secure the panels against wind, and keep panels and cables out of exit paths and off anything that can burn. A loose panel can fall and hurt someone below.^[source]
• Insurance: tell your insurance company before you install.^[source]
• The outlet: the law covers systems that plug into a receptacle.^[source] Kits certified under today's UL framework may need a special receptacle on a dedicated circuit, which means an electrician and your landlord's approval.^[source] See Do I need an electrician?
• Savings: power you don't use at home earns nothing, so size the kit to your daytime use. Try the calculator.

Before you pay, run through our before-you-buy checklist and red flags, and see how plug-in solar compares in plug-in vs rooftop solar.

Not legal advice. If your lease is unclear, ask your landlord or a tenant rights organization.