SACRAMENTO · CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO RENTERS: CALIFORNIA SIGNED SB 868.

SIGNED — SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

SMUDSacramento's publicly-owned utility - historically lower rates than IOUs1,200WMaximum covered systemJan 1, 2027Effective date

YOUR LOCAL UTILITY

SMUD - A PUBLICLY-OWNED UTILITY, NOT AN IOU.

Sacramento is served by SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District), a publicly-owned utility distinct from the investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) serving most of the state. SMUD has historically had lower rates and its own community solar and incentive programs worth checking separately. Confirm current notification requirements directly with SMUD.

Important limitationsSB 868 is signed and takes effect January 1, 2027, but it does not override landlords or HOAs. They may still prohibit installations. The law also provides no export credit unless you already have rooftop solar with a bidirectional meter.

UNDER SB 868

SOL COUNTRY'S SACRAMENTO KIT RECOMMENDATION.

As California's capital, Sacramento is where SB 868 completed its legislative journey before Governor Newsom signed it September 30, 2026. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

SOL COUNTRY RECOMMENDATION

A 395-800W kit where space and permission allow. Sacramento's hot, sunny summers favor solar output, though SMUD's lower rates mean dollar savings may not match coastal cities. SB 868 does not override landlords or HOAs.

395W

~$54/yr · estimated

800W

~$110/yr · estimated

1,200W

~$165/yr · law's max · estimated

Savings are estimates using California's average residential rate; your utility, solar exposure, and self-consumption will change the result. SB 868 provides no export credit.

OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE NOW

MORE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BILL.

SMUD's SolarShares community solar program is one of the longest-running in the country - available to most Sacramento-area renters today, no legislation needed.

COMMUNITY SOLAR

California has multiple established community solar and Community Solar Green Tariff programs. At $0.314/kWh average, even a modest discount is real money.

Explore →

CARE / FERA

California's CARE and FERA programs provide automatic bill discounts for qualifying households - independent of SB 868.

CARE & FERA bill discounts →

BATTERY (SGIP)

California's Self-Generation Incentive Program pays $200+/kWh for qualifying battery installations.

Explore →

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