Electeds and Advocates Bring Solar Powered Smoothies to Albany, Rally for Assembly to Pass the SUNNY Act!

ALBANY, NY (04/29/2026) (readMedia)-- Today, elected officials and advocates of all ages held a rally at the NYS Capitol for the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act (S.8512 Krueger/A.9111 Gallagher). The SUNNY Act will legalize "balcony solar," the small, plug-in solar panels that anyone can use on a balcony or in a backyard - even renters or families living in apartments - to save on energy bills. The NYS Senate passed the bill unanimously as part of its Earth Day package, and advocates called on the Assembly to follow suit and make affordable, plug-in solar accessible to New Yorkers. Especially as Governor Hochul attempts to roll back the Climate Law and double down on expensive fossil fuels, the SUNNY Act shows the way forward: affordable, accessible solar is key to lowering bills and meeting our climate goals.

View images and video from the rally and solar-powered smoothie demonstration here.

Following the rally, advocates headed outside to West Capitol Park for a demonstration showing how easily plug-in solar panels work, using a panel to power a blender and hand out solar-powered smoothies.

"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 Germany, 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. SUNNY is a small but important step to help New Yorkers fight climate change, save money, and claim real energy independence," said lead sponsor of the bill, Senator Liz Krueger.

Lead bill sponsor Assemblymember Emily Gallagher said, "Plug-in solar is such an elegant solution to a number of problems we face. Our constituents can't afford their utility bills, we're struggling to meet our climate goals as a state, and the stakes of inaction are higher every day. We should enable New Yorkers to harness the power of the sun in their homes, at their schools, their libraries, and their small businesses to reduce their energy bills and their emissions. Millions of people in Germany do it, and bipartisan bills are passing around the country. There is no downside, let's pass the bill this session."

Assemblymember Diana Moreno said, "New Yorkers should be able to install small solar panels in their homes to lower their carbon footprint and their utility bills. We shouldn't let landlords or utility companies tell tenants that they can't harness the sun's rays for energy. Instead, we should empower New Yorkers to use this safe and affordable way to save money on electricity. Now that the Senate has unanimously passed the SUNNY Act, the Assembly must do the same."

Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright said, "New Yorkers should not have to wait for rooftop solar to access clean, affordable energy. As a cosponsor of the SUNNY Act, I am excited to support this bill that makes portable solar a reality, cutting bills, slashing emissions, and empowering renters and homeowners alike to produce their own power."

"Plug-in solar is a proven way to lower energy bills and make affordable clean energy accessible to all. As Governor Hochul attempts to double down on fossil fuels, the Assembly has the opportunity to legalize plug-in solar so that homeowners and renters alike can take their power back into their own hands. The Assembly must pass the SUNNY Act now!" said Priya Mulgaonkar, Director of the Green Co-op Council.

Climate Families NYC Program Director Liat Olenick said, "Solar is key to meeting our state climate targets and lowering bills. Working families like mine are calling on the Assembly to uphold our state climate law and pass the SUNNY Act to make affordable, plug-in solar accessible to renters and apartment owners immediately, so we can start saving!"

"With the Senate's unanimous passage, it's time for the Assembly to finish the job and get this bill over the finish line," said Elena Weissmann, Senior Northeast Regional Director at Vote Solar. "Expanding access to plug-in solar is a smart, practical step to help more households take control of their energy costs. By removing outdated barriers without requiring new infrastructure, this legislation is an important piece of the puzzle for building a more equitable, affordable, and democratic energy system."

"New Yorkers are facing rising energy bills in a system still shaped by utility monopoly priorities instead of public need," said Kim Fraczek, Director of Sane Energy Project. "Even in a challenging political moment for climate action, legislators are advancing real solutions like plug-in solar. The SUNNY Act is a clear step toward energy democracy by giving renters and homeowners real access to clean power, lower bills, and climate solutions beyond utility control. The Assembly should pass it without delay."

"The SUNNY Act is a major win for families struggling with rising energy costs. New Yorkers should be able to plug in solar and lower their utility bills. No red tape, no barriers, and more affordable energy for all. We're calling on the Assembly to pass this legislation and help New Yorkers take back control of their energy costs," said Hannah Birnbaum, Chief of Advocacy, Permit Power.

"Plug-in solar will help all New Yorkers benefit from the sun's rays," said Glen Brand, VP of Policy and Advocacy at Solar United Neighbors Action. "Enabling plug-in solar is a smart way to combat the energy affordability crisis. Solar supporters across New York are counting on the Assembly to act."

ABOUT THE SUNNY ACT

The SUNNY Act would exempt plug-in solar panels from existing interconnection and net metering requirements and help make solar generation available to millions of New Yorkers who cannot currently install rooftop solar in their own homes. Plug-in solar bills have become law in Utah and Maine, and legislation awaits the governor's signature in Colorado, Virginia, and Maryland. Legislation has been introduced in 28 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."