New York: balcony solar is not legal yet — here's exactly where the bill stands.
The bill has passed both chambers and is on Governor Kathy Hochul (D)'s desk.
- Bill
- SUNNY Act (S 8512C / A 9111C)
- Status
- Awaiting Governor Signature
- Last action
- Passed both chambers · May 28, 2026
New York is the only state awaiting a governor signature
California signed SB 868 on September 30, 2026. New York's SUNNY Act is now the only balcony solar bill awaiting a governor signature.
- New York: Governor Hochul, until end of 2026
Three things that make New York different
If Governor Hochul signs, the SUNNY Act takes effect 90 days after her signature — NOT immediately. Plan accordingly.
The SUNNY Act bill text sets a 90-day delay after enactment, per New York Almanack (July 2026). Governor Hochul's office has confirmed the bill is under review as of July 2026. She has until end of 2026 to sign or veto. Don't install the day it's signed — wait out the 90 days. We'll post the exact effective date here once the signed bill is published at nysenate.gov.
Notify your utility within 30 days after installing — not before.
The SUNNY Act requires a 30-day notification to your utility after installation. You can install first, then notify within 30 days. This is different from most other signed states, which have no notification requirement at all.
New York gives a 25% state income tax credit on solar costs, up to $5,000.
It applies to qualifying residential solar installations. Whether it covers plug-in balcony solar specifically should be confirmed with a licensed New York tax professional before you claim it. If the SUNNY Act is signed and takes effect, verify with your installer whether your specific plug-in system qualifies.
Sources: the SUNNY Act passage release (May 28, 2026) and the NY Senate press release on the SUNNY Act for the effective date and notification window; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for the 25% credit. Educational only — not tax or legal advice.
New York EV charger programs.
Two utility programs plus a statewide purchase rebate. One has a hard application deadline this year.
For wiring upgrades in a garage or parking area. Plus roughly $100/year from enrolling in the Off-Peak Charging program. APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 10, 2026 — apply before this date, incentives are expected to change in 2027.
nationalgridus.com/ev →Earn credits by charging during off-peak hours.
coned.com/smartcharge →The federal 30C EV charger credit expired June 30, 2026.
What the bill would allow
The SUNNY Act passed both chambers on May 28, 2026 and is waiting on Governor Kathy Hochul's signature. It would let renters and homeowners anywhere in New York plug small solar panels into a regular outlet, no utility permission or interconnection agreement needed. New York would be the biggest state by population to legalize plug-in solar after California, opening it up to millions of renters in NYC and across the state who have no way to go solar today. Nothing to do yet: sign up for alerts and we'll tell you the moment Hochul signs.
- Wattage cap: to be set in final bill — peer-state bills range from 800W to 1,200W.
- Legalizes plug-in (balcony) solar for renters and homeowners statewide
- Plug small panels into a standard outlet without utility permission or an interconnection agreement
- Wattage caps will be set by regulation after signing
- Takes effect 90 days after Governor Hochul's signature
The SUNNY Act does not override HOA or landlord restrictions. There's no net metering credit for extra power sent to the grid. Wattage caps will be set by regulation after signing.
Be first when New York legalizes balcony solar.
One email the moment SUNNY Act (S 8512C / A 9111C) is signed — with the effective date, wattage limit, and every kit legal at your address.
State alerts · No spam
Remind me when New York's law takes effect on 90 days after signature.
What you CAN do in New York today
You don't have to wait for the bill to save on your energy bill.
Subscribe to a nearby solar farm and save 5–15% on your electric bill — no panels on your building.
Portable panels and battery generators don't require any state legislation. Great for outages, camping, and offsetting specific loads.
LIHEAP, WAP, and state programs can cut your bill by hundreds of dollars this year. Most renters qualify and don't know it.
Four low-cost steps that work in every state today — no landlord permission needed.
See what a signed law looks like
These states have already passed plug-in solar laws. Their pages show the wattage cap, effective date, and every kit legal at your address.
Frequently asked questions
- Is balcony solar legal in New York right now?
- No. New York's balcony solar bill (SUNNY Act (S 8512C / A 9111C)) has not yet been signed into law. Installing a plug-in solar system that requires utility interconnection is not currently allowed under New York's existing rules.
- When could New York's balcony solar bill pass?
- The bill is on the governor's desk. Most governors act within 10–30 days of receiving a bill.
- What can I do in New York today while I wait?
- You can join a community solar subscription (no equipment install required), buy portable solar generators (no legislation required), and check whether you qualify for utility bill assistance. Details are in the "What you can do today" section on this page.
Get matched with a New York installer
Balcony solar laws in other states
Track where plug-in solar stands across the U.S. - passed, awaiting signature, or advancing through committee.
- Arizona balcony solar bill2026 session closed · Previously advancing
- California balcony solar lawLaw passed · SB 868 — the Plug and Play Solar Act
- Colorado balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB26-1007
- Connecticut balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB 5340 / Public Act 26-127
- District of Columbia balcony solar billBill in progress · Active legislation
- Delaware balcony solar billBill in progress · Active legislation
- Florida balcony solar billBill introduced · Bill introduced
- Georgia balcony solar bill2026 session closed · Bill considered in 2026