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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislationUpdated July 3, 2026

Coming Soon — New York is considering plug-in solar legislation

The SUNNY Act (Solar for Urban New Yorkers). Would permit plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W without utility approval or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when New York goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in New York today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including New York, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
S 8512 / A 9111
Expected vote
Passed both chambers — Awaiting Governor Hochul signature (passed May 28, 2026)
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
Con Edison / National Grid NY

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.173/kWh in 2021 → $0.210/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.173
2021
$0.180
2022
$0.187
2023
$0.194
2024
$0.202
2025
$0.210
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.460/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$2,053
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on New York's $0.210/kWh avg. rate and 4 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for New York

sorted by your payback period
7yr payback~$3,951 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$138/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
8yr payback~$1,900 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$66/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
8yr payback~$3,860 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$125/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4h/day (New York avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.210/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
596 kWh
50 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$125
$10/mo
Payback Period
9 yrs
by year 9
25-Year Savings
$4,859
net $3,659
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has New York legalized balcony/plug-in solar?
The SUNNY Act, allowing plug-in solar devices up to 1,200W on standard outlets without prior utility approval, passed the legislature in June 2026 and is awaiting the Governor's signature - not yet law as of this writing.
Can my HOA stop me from installing solar panels in New York?
No outright ban is allowed under RPL 335-b, but this law targets rooftop systems and HOAs may still restrict balcony/plug-in devices since those aren't explicitly covered.
Can a landlord prohibit a plug-in solar panel on my balcony?
Likely yes - New York's solar access laws do not extend protections to renters against landlord restrictions on plug-in or balcony solar devices.
Do Con Edison or National Grid require approval for small solar systems?
Yes, but systems under 50kW qualify for an expedited self-certification process rather than a full review, making small residential interconnections relatively quick.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the New York legislature and will email you the moment S 8512 / A 9111 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.