New York's SUNNY Act — Solar Up Now NY, S8512C / A9111C, led in the Senate by Sen. Liz Krueger — passed both chambers of the Legislature on May 29, 2026 and is waiting for Governor Kathy Hochul. She has until the end of 2026 to sign or veto it. As passed, the bill would take effect immediately upon signature.
What the bill would do
- Allow plug-in systems up to 1,200 W AC through a standard 120 V outlet.
- Require equipment listed or certified by a testing laboratory such as UL Solutions, installed in line with state fire codes.
- Bar utilities from requiring an interconnection agreement, net-metering enrollment or fees.
- Require owners to notify their utility within 30 days of installation.
What it doesn't do
Unlike New Jersey's law, the SUNNY Act doesn't explicitly stop landlords, co-op boards or HOAs from prohibiting balcony systems. New York's existing solar-rights protections are written around rooftop installations and may not apply. Renters will need building permission.
Why the stakes are high
New York residential electricity costs nearly 30¢/kWh on average. At a July 30 rally at City Hall Park, the NYC Comptroller, the City Council Speaker, the Manhattan Borough President and 26 Council members signed a letter urging the governor to sign.
What to do now
Don't plug in yet. Use the waiting time to measure your balcony, terrace or yard, check which direction it faces, identify a suitable outlet and talk to your landlord or board. We'll update this page the day the governor acts.
What plug-in solar is worth in New York
New York households pay an average of 29.90¢ per kWh, 63% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 3.9 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.
800 W kit (2 panels)
- Saved per year
- $234
- Payback ($900 kit)
- 3.8 yr
- Energy used
- 783 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $4,957
1,200 W kit (max)
- Saved per year
- $351
- Payback ($1,300 kit)
- 3.7 yr
- Energy used
- 1,175 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $7,485
Run your own numbers
Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.
Estimated savings · New York
$234/ year
≈ $19.52 per month
- Payback
- 3.8 yrs
- Energy used
- 783 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $4,957
- CO₂ avoided
- 635 lb/yr
Monthly savings profile
Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.
What to do now
- 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
- 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
- 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
- 4Contact your New York state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.
New York plug-in solar FAQ
Is plug-in solar legal in New York?
Not yet. SUNNY Act passed the legislature and awaits the governor's signature. Until it is signed and takes effect, connecting a plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules.
How much can balcony solar save in New York?
At New York's average residential rate of 29.90¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 3.9 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $234 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 3.8 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.
What is the maximum plug-in solar size in New York?
The bill would allow up to 1,200 watts of AC output. That's roughly the safe continuous load on a standard 15-amp household circuit.
Sources
- pv magazine USA — New York legislature passes SUNNY Act
- pv magazine USA — Advocates rally for the SUNNY Act (Jul 30, 2026)
- Exact Solar — state-by-state plug-in solar update (Jul 2026)
- EIA — Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential prices)
Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official New York sources and your utility.