ICYMI: SUNNY Act Passes NYS Legislature, Bringing Plug-In Solar One Step Closer To Becoming Law

ALBANY, NY (05/29/2026) (readMedia)-- Yesterday, the New York State Legislature passed the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act (A.9111C/S.8512C), bringing the bill one step closer to becoming law! The bill will now head to the Governor's desk for her signature.

The SUNNY Act will remove red tape and legalize "balcony solar," the small, plug-in solar panels that everyday families can use to lower their energy bills and generate renewable energy. If Governor Hochul signs the bill, the law will bring New York State in line with other states including Utah, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and New Hampshire that have all passed similar bills in the last year, and will 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.

"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 Senate sponsor Liz Krueger.

"Today's passage of the SUNNY Act is a huge victory for New Yorkers who are being crushed under the ever-rising cost of utilities, as well as those who, like me, were devastated by the decision to rollback our landmark climate law in the budget. Balcony solar will allow New Yorkers to produce their own energy, reduce their costs, and lower their emissions. And by passing this law now, we create the legal and regulatory framework to enable safe adoption of this incredible technology in New York. This bill is a reminder that we already have the technology we need to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis, and new solutions are being developed all the time. By passing the SUNNY Act today, we are paving the way to a future where all New Yorkers can participate in the solar economy. When we expand the constituency for solar energy, we strengthen the power of the renewable energy movement," said lead Assembly sponsor Emily Gallagher.

"As New Yorkers deal with rising energy costs, plug-in solar panels are a proven way to lower their bills while cutting emissions at the same time. Thankfully, the SUNNY Act will unleash solar power here in New York by reducing red tape and allowing every New Yorker to easily generate their own cheap, renewable power. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, for working tirelessly to pass this common-sense legislation and to the entire Legislature for embracing solar power for all New Yorkers. We look forward to Governor Hochul signing this bill and ensuring every New Yorker can take power back into their hands!" said Priya Mulgaonkar, Director of the Green Co-op Council.

"Climate Families NY is thrilled to see the SUNNY Act pass the Assembly. We call on Governor Hochul to sign it into law right away so families, schools and all New Yorkers can access affordable, clean plug-in solar as soon as possible," said Liat Olenick, Program Director of Climate Families NYC.

"New York's legislature chose light. In a moment when we are facing rising energy costs and deep uncertainty about our climate future, the passage of the SUNNY Act proves that practical, people-powered solutions are still possible. This bill expands access to affordable renewable energy, strengthens resilience, and moves us toward true energy independence. We thank the Senate and Assembly for meeting the moment, and now call on Governor Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act into law and help put the power of the sun directly into the hands of New Yorkers," said Kim Fraczek, Director of Sane Energy Project.

"The SUNNY Act is an important step towards putting affordable solar power in the hands of every New Yorker. Hats off to the Legislature for cutting the red tape that has made it effectively illegal to plug a solar panel into your own wall outlet and save on your utility bills. This common-sense reform will help families across the state take back control of their energy costs and Governor Hochul should sign it without delay," said Hannah Birnbaum, Co-Founder and Chief of Advocacy at Permit Power.

"I am thrilled that the Assembly has passed the SUNNY Act," said Lauren Phillips, Bronx mom and member of the Green Co-Op Council and Climate Families NYC. "Balcony solar is crucial for reducing energy bills for families like mine. I urge Governor Hochul to sign the bill immediately-New York families can't wait for relief."

"We are thrilled to see the SUNNY Act move forward. With the shameful weakening of New York's landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, households need every advantage left to keep electric costs low. By making solar more accessible with the SUNNY Act, New York can build a fairer, more affordable energy system where everyone can share in the benefits of clean power. We call on Governor Hochul to sign this bill expediently," said Elena Weissmann, Northeast Senior Regional Director, Vote Solar.

"Under the SUNNY Act, even people living in apartments will be able to make the choice to replace some of their fossil fuel use with solar energy they capture themselves. It's an example of how thousands of small choices by ordinary New York families can add up to a big impact, and take us closer to the zero-emission future we're all working toward," said Katherine Nadeau, Deputy Executive Director, Policy and Programs, Environmental Advocates NY.

"We couldn't be happier about the Assembly's passage of the SUNNY Act," said Pat Almonrode, Co-facilitator of Third Act NYC. "This brings the possibility of plug-in (or "balcony") solar one step closer for our many members. We applaud Senator Krueger and Assemblymember Gallagher for their persistence, and we urge Governor Hochul to sign this very worthy measure into law as soon as possible."

"The SUNNY Act's passage by both houses of the Legislature is an important step forward in moving New York off fossil fuels. This crucial legislation will unleash plug-in solar energy for millions of New Yorkers, including apartment dwellers, renters, and others who have no ability to access rooftop solar. We urge Governor Hochul to follow the Legislature's lead and sign this bill immediately to provide some much-needed progress on climate following the disastrous gutting of our climate law in the state budget," said Alex Beauchamp, Northern Region Director for Food & Water Watch.

"The SUNNY Act will help put power back in the hands of the people - not the corporate utilities," said Stephan Edel, Executive Director of NY Renews. "We're thrilled to see it pass in the legislature, and urge Governor Hochul to sign it swiftly to ensure that the people of New York have the opportunity to access affordable plug-in solar to lower bills, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and start building the just, clean energy system we deserve."

"When solar supporters join together, we win," said Glen Brand, VP of Policy and Advocacy at Solar United Neighbors Action. "Thank you to the lawmakers who voted to cut the red tape to let New Yorkers save money with plug-in solar. I can't wait to put a set on my own balcony."

The Legislature's passage of the SUNNY Act comes after months of work from advocates and everyday people to educate New Yorkers about how plug-in solar panels can save families money on their bills while reducing their emissions. Earlier this week, New Yorkers from across the state rallied with environmentalist Bill McKibben to share their plug-in solar panel success stories, and held a press conference with state lawmakers at the Capitol to urge the Legislature to pass the bill before the end of session. Advocates also held demonstrations across the state last month to show how New Yorkers can easily use plug-in solar panels to generate renewable power, running a blender for smoothies, a cooling fan and a radio for passers-by.

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, Maine, Virginia and Colorado, and legislation awaits the governor's signature in Maryland. Legislation 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."