Quick Answer
Plug-in solar isn’t law in New York yet, but it’s close: the SUNNY Act passed both chambers of the legislature on May 28, 2026 and is now waiting on Governor Hochul’s signature. If she signs it, renters and homeowners across New York could plug in up to 1,200 watts of solar without utility approval or an interconnection agreement.
New York SUNNY Act: What It Would Do
New York’s SUNNY Act (the Solar Up Now New York Act) would let any New York resident, renter or homeowner, plug in a solar system of up to 1,200 watts without utility approval, an interconnection agreement, or fees. You’d tell your utility within 30 days of installing, using a short online form. Like the laws in Maryland and Utah, it takes the utility out of the way. It doesn’t address landlords, co-op boards or HOAs, so if you rent, your lease would still decide.
Where things stand
| Senate | Passed May 28, 2026 |
| Assembly | Passed May 28, 2026 |
| Governor Hochul | Awaiting signature |
If you want to follow along, the bill’s text and status live on the New York Senate’s S8512 page. One encouraging detail: Con Edison (yes, the utility) has filed a memo in support of the bill. The legislature hasn’t formally delivered the bill to Governor Hochul yet, and her clock to sign or veto only starts once it does; action is expected before the end of 2026. New York and California are the only two states left with a plug-in solar bill waiting on a governor. New Jersey was the third until September 1, when Governor Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act, making it the ninth state with a law on the books.
Why New York matters so much
Electricity in New York is expensive, among the highest rates in the continental US, averaging $0.22–0.26/kWh in New York City and surrounding areas. That’s painful on a bill, but it also means a single 400-watt plug-in solar panel could save $12–14/month and pay for itself in roughly 3.5–4 years. And for the millions of New York City renters who have no other solar option, the SUNNY Act would clear away the utility side of the problem, leaving the conversation with the landlord.
What you’d save in New York City
| System size | Monthly savings (at $0.23/kWh) | Payback |
| 1 panel (400W) | ~$12/month | ~4 years |
| 2 panels (800W) | ~$25/month | ~3.5 years |
What you can do in the meantime
The SUNNY Act hasn’t been signed yet, so for now this is a waiting game. A good use of the wait: check your lease, because many New York leases simply don’t mention balcony solar either way. If you have a south- or west-facing balcony and want to be ready the day the law takes effect, look for a UL 1741-certified kit; that’s the established US safety standard for grid-connected inverters. (UL 3700, a newer standard written specifically for plug-in solar, has so far been certified on only two microinverters and no complete kits. That matters more here than elsewhere: the SUNNY Act as passed asks for a system certified as a complete plug-in system, so check the final certification rules before you buy.)
We keep tabs on the SUNNY Act and all 50 states at the Solarly state law tracker, and if you’re starting to shop, our recommended plug-in solar kits page is where we’d point a friend. Last updated: September 19, 2026.
