In case you missed it: Solar stories of the week

A few solar developments worth knowing about this week.

California homeowners got a new option: Governor Newsom signed SB 868, which lets the state's residents use portable "plug-in" solar devices that connect to a home through a regular electrical outlet, rather than requiring a full rooftop installation. This makes California the largest market in the country for this kind of balcony or plug-in solar setup. In New York, utility regulators approved a two-year pilot program testing meter socket adapters, devices that simplify how solar, EV chargers, and battery storage connect to a home's electrical system. The goal is to cut installation complexity and costs for customers, though it will take time to see results since it's a trial program.

On the technology and cost side, a new report found that battery storage systems are now cheaper than natural gas "peaker" plants (plants that run only during high-demand periods) in 43 markets worldwide, though U.S. tariffs could slow near-term gains here. Separately, sodium-ion batteries, a newer, often cheaper alternative to lithium-ion, are moving from experimental to commercially available in the U.S. market, though manufacturers still have to navigate federal rules on sourcing and safety testing.

None of this changes anything you need to do right now, but it signals more options ahead: easier plug-in solar devices, simpler connection equipment, and potentially cheaper batteries. If you're weighing a future solar or storage project, it's worth checking whether your state offers programs like New York's pilot or rules like California's new law.