Plug-In Solar in New York — Legislation Pending
Bill: S 8512C / A 9111C — SUNNY Act — Solar Utility Notification and Net Yield Act
Sponsor: Sen. Liz Krueger (S 8512C) / Assemblymember Emily Gallagher (A 9111C)
Legislative Status: Passed both chambers of the NY State Legislature on May 28, 2026. Senate passed April 21, 2026 (Earth Day). Assembly passed May 28, 2026. Now on Governor Hochul's desk — she has until end of 2026 to sign or veto. Her office stated she will review the legislation.
Current Status: Passed Both Chambers — Awaiting Governor Hochul's Signature (May 28, 2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in New York?
New York lawmakers passed A9111C/S8512C on May 28, 2026, bringing the state closer to a dedicated plug-in solar pathway. If signed, the SUNNY Act would cover qualifying systems up to 1,200 W, use a 30-day utility notice, and set equipment and fire-safety conditions. It now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul and is not law yet, so current utility and electrical requirements remain in effect. Review the proposed rules and prepare your space and equipment while the bill awaits action.
After checking today's utility, electrical and property requirements, compare published product options for New York. A product listing is not permission to install.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 22.6¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $236/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 10¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.2 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Exempts certified plug-in solar devices from utility interconnection requirements. Prohibits utilities from charging extra fees. Allows self-installation. Requires 30-day notification to utility after installation. Requires state energy code to permit plug-in solar connections through standard electrical outlets. Devices must comply with fire codes and be approved by an accredited testing laboratory.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200W AC inverter nameplate output |
| UL 3700 | referenced — Referenced but not required (requires certification by an accredited nationally recognized testing laboratory to a standard) |
| Renter Provision | The act aims to expand equitable access for New Yorkers to participate in the solar economy, particularly benefiting those who may be renters or have the ability to install rooftop systems. |
| Utility Approval | Waived (notification required) |
| Permit Required | Waived (building code to be updated) |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Portable solar generation devices are exempt from interconnection or net metering requirements. Any energy exported to the utility electric grid shall be uncompensated unless the customer voluntarily enters a net metering or other compensation agreement. |
| Key Differences | This bill establishes a regulatory framework for plug-in solar devices in New York, aiming to remove regulatory barriers and expand access, particularly for renters. It explicitly exempts these devices from interconnection and net metering requirements, and utility approval is waived with a notification requirement. |
| Notable Omissions | The bill does not explicitly address HOA restrictions on portable solar generation devices. |
What You Can Do
If Governor Hochul signs: self-install without Con Edison or National Grid approval, with only a 30-day notification required. At $0.226/kWh, an 800W system could save $250+ per year.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. New York utilities currently require interconnection agreements. Governor Hochul's signature still required — she has until end of 2026.
Available Rebates & Incentives
NY-Sun Incentive Program provides upfront $/W rebates for residential solar (higher for low-to-moderate income). New York State 25% solar tax credit (up to $5,000). New York State sales tax exemption for residential solar systems. 15-year property tax exemption for solar system added value. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- NY-Sun Incentive Program — NYSERDA — Upfront $/W rebates for residential solar; higher rebates for low-to-moderate income households.
- New York 25% Solar Tax Credit — NY Tax Dept. — 25% state income tax credit on solar installation costs, up to $5,000.
- New York Real Property Tax Exemption — NY Tax Dept. — 15-year exemption on added property value from solar installation.
- DSIRE — New York Solar Incentives — Full list of New York state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 20,002,427 |
| Total Households | 7,722,646 |
| Owner-Occupied | 4,687,707 |
| Renter-Occupied | 3,943,525 |
| Single-Family Homes | 3,518,867 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 3,018,829 |
| Median Household Income | $85,974 |
| Median Home Value | $423,800 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.08 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 40° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1330 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May - July |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Con Edison | ~3 million customers | Yes |
| National Grid | ~1.6 million customers | Yes |
| PSEG Long Island | 1.1 million customers | Yes |
| New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) | ~900,000 customers | Yes |
| Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) | 385,925 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Behind the Bill: How New York Is Bringing Plug-In Solar to the Country’s Largest Urban Market — PlugInSolarUS (July 2026)
- New Yorkers can soon hang solar panels from their windows, if Gov. Hochul approves — Gothamist (June 1, 2026)
- SUNNY Act passes NYS Legislature, bringing plug-in solar one step closer to becoming law — River Reporter (May 28, 2026)
- NY Senate Advances SUNNY Act (S.8512B) on Earth Day — NY Senate (April 21, 2026)
- Plug-in solar panels may soon power NYC apartments — Habitat Magazine (April 2026)
- NY legislation could let residents tap solar power from balconies — Staten Island Advance (April 2026)
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in New York
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your NY setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in New York — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- New York's SUNNY Act: What the Legislature's Passage Means for 5 Million Renters — Read the most relevant PlugInSolarUS article for New York.
- Follow the national legislation picture — See how pending proposals compare with enacted plug-in solar frameworks in other states.