Key takeaways
- The Solar Up Now NY (SUNNY) Act, S8512C / A9111C, passed both chambers on May 29, 2026.
- Gov. Hochul must sign or veto it by the end of 2026; as passed it takes effect immediately on signing.
- It would allow certified plug-in systems up to 1,200 W with no utility fees or interconnection agreement.
- Owners would have to notify their utility within 30 days.
- It doesn't explicitly protect renters from landlord or co-op bans.
New York may be the state where plug-in solar matters most. Roughly two-thirds of New York City households rent, rooftop solar is out of reach for nearly all of them, and residential electricity averages close to 30¢ per kWh. The SUNNY Act would let them plug solar panels into a balcony or window-side outlet — if Governor Kathy Hochul signs it.
Where things stand
| Bill | Solar Up Now NY (SUNNY) Act — S8512C / A9111C |
| Senate sponsor | Sen. Liz Krueger |
| Passed legislature | May 29, 2026 |
| Status | Awaiting Gov. Hochul |
| Deadline | End of 2026 |
| Effective | Immediately on signing (as passed) |
The bill passed both chambers with large majorities. On July 30, 2026, advocates rallied at City Hall Park, where the NYC Comptroller, the City Council Speaker, the Manhattan Borough President and 26 other Council members signed a letter urging the governor to sign.
What the SUNNY Act would do
- Allow plug-in systems up to 1,200 W AC connected through a standard 120 V outlet.
- Require certification: equipment must be listed or certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions, and installed in line with state fire codes.
- Exempt devices from interconnection agreements and net-metering enrollment.
- Prohibit utility fees for using a qualifying device.
- Require notification: owners would notify their utility within 30 days of installing.
The notification requirement is unusual — most state laws skip it — but it's a light-touch way to let Con Edison, National Grid and other utilities know where systems are, for example to check meter compatibility.
What it leaves out: renters
New Jersey's balcony solar law explicitly stops landlords and HOAs from banning qualifying devices. The SUNNY Act doesn't. New York's existing solar-rights provisions were written with rooftop systems in mind and may not cover balcony devices.
In practice, New York renters, co-op shareholders and condo owners would still need permission from their landlord or board. Expect building policies to vary widely at first. Our renter's guide covers how to make the request.
Why the governor's decision isn't a foregone conclusion
Governors sometimes veto or negotiate "chapter amendments" to bills that pass with large majorities, especially when utilities or regulators raise implementation concerns. Points that could come up include the role of the Public Service Commission, meter compatibility in older buildings and fire-code coordination in dense housing. A chapter amendment could change details such as the effective date.
What New Yorkers could save
At New York's July 2026 average residential rate of 29.90¢/kWh and about 3.9 peak sun hours, with 80% of output used at home:
| Setup | Saved per year | Payback ($900 kit) |
|---|---|---|
| 800 W, south, tilted | ~$234 | ~3.8 years |
| 800 W, south, vertical railing | ~$165 | ~5.5 years |
| 800 W, east or west, tilted | ~$193 | ~4.7 years |
Con Edison customers in New York City often pay more than the state average, which shortens payback further. Try the calculator with your own rate from your bill.
City realities
- Shade from neighboring buildings is the biggest limiter in Manhattan and much of Brooklyn and Queens. Track how many hours of direct sun your balcony or terrace actually gets.
- Outlet access: many balconies have no outdoor outlet. Running a cable through a window that can't close isn't a safe solution.
- Wind at height requires rated mounting hardware and a secondary safety tether.
What to do now
- Don't connect a grid-tied system yet. Until the bill is signed, it isn't legal.
- Survey your space: direction, sun hours, outlet location.
- Talk to your landlord or board early.
- Pick certified equipment — see UL 3700 explained.
- Make your voice heard: the governor's office takes public comment on pending bills.
We'll update our New York page the moment the governor acts.
Frequently asked questions
Is balcony solar legal in New York City?
Not yet. The SUNNY Act would legalize certified plug-in systems up to 1,200 W statewide, including NYC, but it only becomes law if Governor Hochul signs it. Building rules, leases and co-op or condo bylaws would still apply.
When will Hochul decide on the SUNNY Act?
New York's governor has until the end of the calendar year to act on bills passed in the session. Supporters expect a decision by December 2026.
How much could plug-in solar save in New York?
At New York's average residential rate of about 29.9¢/kWh, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit would save around $234 a year; a vertical railing mount in the same spot about $165.