Meetup | Balcony Solar + Storage: Smarter Life Behind the Meter
Plug-in "balcony" solar is coming to California. Governor Newsom signed SB 868 on September 30, and starting January 1, 2027, residents can plug certified solar kits of up to 1,200 watts into a standard outlet. That opens clean energy to millions of renters and apartment dwellers who have never had access to it.
The bigger opportunity may not be the panel. It's what happens behind the meter.
This evening we'll ask: What role can renters and small plug-in devices play in the next generation of virtual power plants (VPPs)? California already produces more midday solar than it can use. What the grid needs now is flexibility: homes that soak up cheap midday power and step back during the evening peak. Smart plugs, plug-in batteries and connected solar kits could let renters provide that flexibility and join utility programs that have mostly been built for homeowners.
Joining the discussion:
Bright Saver (brightsaver.org), the California nonprofit selling plug-in solar kits at cost and leading the national push to legalize balcony solar
Off The Wall Energy
SMUD
California Sunlight
What to expect:
Hands-on displays of balcony solar and plug-in storage hardware
An update on SB 868, UL 3700 and the national policy landscape
A discussion on VPPs, renter participation and how utilities like SMUD could benefit
Networking with founders, engineers, utility staff and investors exploring projects and partnerships in this emerging market
Whether you're building hardware, writing software, designing utility programs or just curious, come help shape what plug-in energy looks like in the Sacramento Valley.
Hosted by CleanStart, helping entrepreneurs and innovators bring their clean tech ideas to life since 2005.
This Meetup and CleanStart Programs are made possible by Kora Power, the Carlsen Center, SMUD, ChicoSTART, and E2.