NEW YORK · AWAITING SIGNATURE

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 (A.9111-C/S.8512C)
Status
Awaiting Governor Hochul
Last action
Passed both chambers · June 1, 2026
Two states at once

California is also awaiting a governor signature

As of September 2026, California and New York are both awaiting governor signatures simultaneously — the two largest states in the awaiting-governor category at the same time.

  • California deadline: September 30, 2026
  • New York: Governor Hochul, until end of 2026
California is also awaiting governor signature — see California →See tracker →
New York specifics

Three things that make New York different

1 · Effective date

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.

2 · Utility notification

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.

3 · Available now · State tax credit

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: pv-magazine USA (June 1, 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.

What's available now · EV charging

New York EV charger programs.

Two utility programs plus a statewide purchase rebate. One has a hard application deadline this year.

National Grid (upstate NY) — home wiring upgrade
Up to $700

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 →
Con Edison SmartCharge NY (NYC metro)
~$400/year

Earn credits by charging during off-peak hours.

coned.com/smartcharge →
New York Drive Clean Rebate
Up to $2,000

For qualifying EV purchases.

nyserda.ny.gov/ev →

The federal 30C EV charger credit expired June 30, 2026.

What the bill would allow

The New York State Legislature passed the Solar Up Now NY (SUNNY) Act on June 1, 2026 with bipartisan support. The bill now awaits Governor Hochul's signature. If signed, New York's 19 million renter households gain the legal right to install balcony solar. At ConEd's ~$0.21/kWh NYC rate, an 800W system saves ~$145/year, payback under 6 years.

  • Wattage cap: up to 1,200W AC output
  • Systems up to 1,200W AC output legal for renters and homeowners
  • Takes effect 90 days after Governor Hochul's signature
  • Notify your utility within 30 days AFTER installation - not before
Landlord restrictions unclear

The SUNNY Act as passed does NOT include explicit protections against landlord or HOA prohibition. Unlike Colorado's HB26-1007, the New York bill does not explicitly state that landlords cannot refuse installation. New York does have an existing solar rights law (prohibiting HOA bans on rooftop solar) but it is unclear if this applies to plug-in solar devices. If you are a New York renter interested in plug-in solar - Sol Country recommends consulting with a tenant rights organization about your specific lease terms before Governor Hochul signs the bill.

Get notified · Free

Be first when New York legalizes balcony solar.

One email the moment SUNNY Act (A.9111-C/S.8512C) 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.

1 · No install
Community solar

Subscribe to a nearby solar farm and save 5–15% on your electric bill — no panels on your building.

Browse plans in New York →
2 · Legal in every state
Portable solar & power stations

Portable panels and battery generators don't require any state legislation. Great for outages, camping, and offsetting specific loads.

See portable kits →
3 · Direct help
Utility bill assistance

LIHEAP, WAP, and state programs can cut your bill by hundreds of dollars this year. Most renters qualify and don't know it.

Check what you qualify for →
While you wait for the law
Renter energy starter kit →

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.

See all 50 states in the tracker →Legality checker (any ZIP) →

Frequently asked questions

Is balcony solar legal in New York right now?
No. New York's balcony solar bill (SUNNY Act (A.9111-C/S.8512C)) 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.
Compare across the country

Track where plug-in solar stands across the U.S. - passed, awaiting signature, or advancing through committee.

See all 50 states in the bill tracker →What is balcony solar?Solar access laws explained

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