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Is plug-in solar legal in New York?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Plan and buy now; from the law takes effect a certified kit of up to 1,200 W plugs in without an interconnection agreement.
- Use the ordinary interconnection process, or an off-grid portable kit, in the meantime.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug in under the new law before the law takes effect; today the utility interconnection rules still apply.
- Get paid for exported power under the new law.
- Assume every kit qualifies: the law requires the certification shown above.
What the rules say
New York's Solar Up Now NY Act passed both houses on May 28, 2026 and is waiting for the governor, who must act by the end of 2026. If signed, it takes effect 90 days later: up to 1,200 W of aggregate inverter output, NRTL-listed as a complete system, with a utility notice within 30 days after installation and no interconnection. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Before you plug in: New York checklist
- Wait for the governor's signature; nothing changes until the bill is signed and takes effect.
- Keep the system at or under 1,200 W of inverter output.
- Buy a kit whose certification matches the law (UL / NRTL listed). Check the label, not the marketing copy.
- Tell your utility: Within 30 days after. Mandatory within 30 days AFTER installation; utility web form (name/contact, address and account, make/model, rated size) within 30 days of effective date.
- Renting or in an HOA? The law does not override your lease or covenants, so get written permission first.
- Plug into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip, and keep shared-circuit kits under about 400 W.
The rules in detail
| Law | S.8512-C / A.9111-C: Solar Up Now NY Act |
|---|---|
| Max system size | 1,200 W |
| Certification | Listed or certified by an accredited NRTL as a complete plug-in photovoltaic system to a standard; NYS fire prevention and building code and manufacturer instructions; anti-energizing feature. |
| Utility notice / approval | Mandatory within 30 days AFTER installation; utility web form (name/contact, address and account, make/model, rated size) within 30 days of effective date. |
| Permit / electrician | None; state code to be optimized for plug-in devices at next adoption (Exec. Law 378(21)). |
| Exported power | Not subject to interconnection or net metering unless voluntarily elected; exports uncompensated absent voluntary agreement. |
| Avg. electricity price | 29.9¢ per kWh |
- Sponsor: Sen. Liz Krueger; Asm. Emily Gallagher.
- Outlet / circuit: standard electrical outlet.
- Utility liability: utility not liable to the extent not otherwise liable under law.
Legislative background
- Con Edison supports; Senate passed Apr 21, 2026; Assembly May 28, 2026; no action by Hochul found as of Oct 17, 2026.
Until the law takes effect: New York's utilities today
Before the effective date, a grid-tied kit still falls under the ordinary interconnection process. No utility in New York publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Edison | 3,064,038 | No verified statement (one tracker claims Con Ed filed in support of SUNNY Act); SIR applies. source |
| National Grid (Niagara Mohawk) | 1,532,294 | No specific statement. |
| PSEG Long Island (LIPA) | 1,029,955 | No specific statement. |
| NYSEG / RG&E | 1,143,781 | No specific statement. source |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | New York Public Service Commission / DPS. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | NYS Standardized Interconnection Requirements (eff. 2/9/2026). |
| Smallest tier | Systems <=50 kW streamlined; inverter <=25 kW no external disconnect. |
| Application fee | 'No application fee is required of the applicant for systems 50 kW or less'. |
| Electrician / permit | 2023 NEC via 2025 Uniform Code (12/31/2025); NYC own code + master electricians. |
| Export compensation | Phase One net metering <=25 kW with CBC charge; SUNNY Act would make exports uncompensated absent agreement. |
| Electrical code | 2023 NEC statewide (12/31/2025); NYC 2008-based. |
- No application fee <=50 kW already; SUNNY Act removes paperwork but also export compensation.
- NYC code/licensing untouched by state bill.
Plug-in solar bills in New York, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| S8512C / A9111C (SUNNY Act) | Sen. Liz Krueger; Asm. Emily Gallagher; 19 Senate cosponsors | Passed Senate 62-0 (4/21/2026) and concurred 59-1 (5/28/2026); Assembly passed; awaiting delivery/signature by Gov. Hochul (deadline end of 2026). | <=1,200 W continuous AC, certified as complete plug-in system, 30-day notice via simple form, no fees/approval, Exec. Law 378(21) code directive, eff. 90 days. |
State incentives
- NYS 25% solar credit up to $5,000 (Tax Law 606(g-1)).
- Sales-tax exemption Tax Law 1115(ee).
- NY-Sun (contractor required).
Who is pushing for a law
- Environmental Advocates NY
- Bright Saver
- NYC Comptroller Levine / Council Speaker Menin letter
- Sierra Club Atlantic / NYPIRG (rally)
Savings preview: 800 W kit in New York
Adjust for your setup →≈ $249/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in New York?
Not yet. New York's legislature passed a plug-in solar bill (S.8512-C / A.9111-C) that is waiting for the governor's signature.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in New York?
Not required by the law. A dedicated circuit is still a sensible safety practice.
Do I have to tell my utility in New York?
Within 30 days after. Mandatory within 30 days AFTER installation; utility web form (name/contact, address and account, make/model, rated size) within 30 days of effective date.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in New York?
Roughly 832 kWh and about $249 per year at New York's average residential rate of 29.9¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.