City Leaders Tell Gov. Hochul: Legalize Balcony Solar!

NEW YORK, NY (07/30/2026) (readMedia)-- Today, City Council members and more elected officials gathered at City Hall Park and urged Governor Hochul to sign the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act (S.8512 Krueger/A.9111 Gallagher). Prior to the rally, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Borough Presidents Vanessa Gibson, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Donovan Richards, and 26 more City Council members sent a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to sign the legislation.

Watch the rally here.

Read the letter here.

The SUNNY Act will remove regulatory red tape to small, "plug-in" solar panels, so that New Yorkers-especially renters or families living in apartments-can take advantage of clean energy technology that allows them to lower their energy bills and do their part to cut pollution and fight climate change. As energy bills continue to skyrocket, especially during the summer heatwaves that climate change is making more prevalent and dangerous, the SUNNY Act shows the way forward: affordable, accessible solar is key to lowering bills and fighting climate change.

"The SUNNY Act will open the door for millions more New Yorkers to have access to cheap, clean solar power, be part of the solution to the climate crisis, and shave a little bit off their electricity bill every month. Once the market for plug-in solar fully matures, like it already has in parts of Europe, New Yorkers will be able to simply walk into a store, pay a few hundred bucks for a system, take it home and plug it in like any other appliance, and start saving hundreds of dollars every year. This is a small but important step to help New Yorkers fight climate change, save money, and claim real energy independence. I urge Governor Hochul to sign the bill and deliver this real win for New Yorkers," said lead sponsor of the bill, Senator Liz Krueger.

"Balcony solar is immensely popular, and it's coming. In June, we passed the SUNNY Act through the legislature to create a safe, legal pathway to plug-in solar adoption. All of New York's neighboring states, and many others around the country, have either passed similar bills or are moving them through their legislatures. People love this bill because it allows them to see themselves in the clean energy transition–and will help them lower their utility bills while they're at it. I urge the Governor to sign the bill and empower New Yorkers to harness the power of the sun!" said lead sponsor of the bill, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.

"States across the country are legalizing balcony solar panels because they know it's a proven way to help families lower their bills and reduce their emissions. Here in New York City, where most people aren't able to install rooftop solar panels, balcony solar is a simple way we can make clean, affordable solar power accessible. Thankfully, lawmakers did their part to pass the SUNNY Act, meaning it's up to Governor Hochul to finish the job and sign the bill into law!" said Priya Mulgaonkar, Director of the Green Co-op Council.

"Working families across the state want to take action on climate and lower our energy bills. Here in NYC, we were thrilled when the SUNNY Act passed the legislature with bipartisan support. Governor Hochul should sign the SUNNY Act ASAP so families can start cutting costs and pollution," said Liat Olenick, Program Director of Climate Families NYC.

"With energy bills rising, plug-in solar offers an accessible way to bring costs down and use renewable power. The SUNNY Act helps cut the regulatory red tape that treats a single balcony solar panel the same as a massive, full-scale solar farm. I am proud to call for its passage so that our state can open the door to cheaper, cleaner energy for New Yorkers," said New York City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu.

"We are living through one climate catastrophe after another," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "From rolling blackouts to annual wildfire smoke, we are constantly reminded that we need immediate action to curb our emissions. That's why I passed Local Law 99, to generate solar power on public buildings, and it's why we need to pass the SUNNY Act. New Yorkers should be able to generate their own solar power and lower their energy bills. I'm proud to stand with this coalition calling on Governor Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act into law now."

"I am proud to support the SUNNY Act and urge the Governor to make plug-in solar a reality. I represent an environmental justice community that needs sustainable, green solutions to the constant electricity bill hikes. We can't wait for solar options. The SUNNY Act represents a simple and efficient solution to expanding access in our communities today. I look forward to continuing the climate fight in our City and lending support to my colleagues in the State legislature to make this happen," said Council Member Alexa Avilés.

"Too many families in New York City live in buildings where rooftop solar simply isn't an option, but that shouldn't mean they're locked out of lower electricity bills and cleaner energy. The SUNNY Act is a common-sense fix. It cuts the red tape holding back safe, affordable plug-in solar and puts that option in reach for renters and homeowners alike. I'm proud to support this legislation, and I'm hopeful Governor Hochul will sign it into law," said New York City Council Member Susan Zhuang.

"Every New Yorker deserves access to affordable, clean energy, not just those who own a home with a suitable roof," said Council Member Shahana Hanif. "The SUNNY Act is a simple, practical step that expands access to community solar, lowers utility bills, and helps us meet our climate goals while making our clean energy transition more equitable. I urge Governor Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act and ensure all New Yorkers can share in the benefits of renewable energy."

"The SUNNY Act is an innovative effort led by Assembly Member Emily Gallagher and Senator Liz Krueger to make New York State more affordable and climate friendly. Plug-in balcony solar panels are a smart and practical option for anyone who wants to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon emissions. I'm excited for the day when apartment dwellers have access to the solar energy that so many across the country and the world already rely on," said Council Member Lincoln Restler.

If Governor Hochul signs the bill, the law will bring New York State in line with a growing number of states that have cleared the way for plug-in solar, including Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, and Virginia, and enable all New Yorkers to start generating their own clean, affordable power simply by plugging in eligible solar panels that can be purchased online or at a store. Outside of the U.S., the United Kingdom has now joined Germany and Spain in allowing major retailers to sell plug-in panels to the public so they can lower their energy bills.

ABOUT THE SUNNY ACT

During the 2026 legislative session, the SUNNY Act passed through both chambers of the New York State legislature, passing through the Senate unanimously. The bill will exempt plug-in solar panels from the existing interconnection and net metering requirements designed for much larger solar panels, and will help make solar generation available to millions of New Yorkers who cannot currently install rooftop solar in their own homes. Legislation to allow plug-in solar has been introduced in 30 other states.

Plug-in solar panels are small, portable solar panels that allow individuals to generate renewable energy by connecting to a standard household outlet or power source. These solar panels are becoming much more popular, especially as New Yorkers search for ways to help lower record-high gas and electric bills that are continuing to rise, and according to NPR, the panels "start shaving off part of a homeowner's or renter's utility bill right away."