Balcony solar in New York
Passed the legislature, waiting on the governor. New York’s law is the SUNNY Act (A.9111-C / S.8512-C). An 800 W kit on a south-facing railing saves about $143 a year here and pays for itself in about 4.9 years.
Last checked October 6, 2026
What New York’s law says
- The legislature passed the bill in late May 2026.
- Governor Kathy Hochul has until the end of 2026 to sign or veto it.
- The bill covers systems up to 1,200 W through a standard 120-volt outlet.
- It doesn’t require landlords, co-op boards or condo associations to allow it.
What that means right now
Nothing has changed yet. Until the governor signs and the law takes effect, your utility’s normal rules apply.
If you rent or have an HOA
Even if it’s signed, the bill doesn’t force landlords, co-ops or condo boards to say yes. In New York City especially, check your building’s rules. Renters guide.
What a kit saves in New York
Estimates at New York’s average power price (28.6¢/kWh), 250 W of always-on use at home, extra power counted as $0.
| Setup | Makes per year | Saves per year | Paid back in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 W, south-facing railing ($700) | 669 kWh | $143 | 4.9 yrs |
| 800 W, east or west railing ($700) | 525 kWh | $119 | 5.9 yrs |
| 800 W, south, tilted stand ($700) | 1,000 kWh | $178 | 3.9 yrs |
| 1,200 W, south-facing railing ($1,000) | 1,004 kWh | $172 | 5.8 yrs |
Month by month (800 W, south railing)
A panel hanging straight up does best when the sun is low, so winter months hold up better than you’d expect.
New York’s power is expensive, so a kit pays back quickly once it’s allowed.
Calculate for my home in New York
Before you buy
- Confirm the law applies on the date you want to plug in.
- Buy a kit certified to the standard the law requires. UL 3700 explained.
- Stay within the size limit.
- Get your landlord’s or HOA’s OK in writing.
- Check your spot: direction, shade, and a solid railing or stand.
New York: common questions
Is balcony solar legal in New York?
Passed the legislature, waiting on the governor. The law is the SUNNY Act (A.9111-C / S.8512-C). Until it takes effect, your utility's normal rules apply.
How much can balcony solar save in New York?
About $143 a year for an 800 W kit on a south-facing railing, at New York's average power price of 28.6¢ per kWh. On a tilted stand facing south, about $178.
How long does it take to pay back in New York?
About 4.9 years for a $700 kit on a south-facing railing, before power prices rise. Rising prices shorten that.
How many sun hours does New York get?
About 4.2 peak sun hours a day on average across the year, at a typical location in the state.
Can my landlord or HOA stop me in New York?
Even if it’s signed, the bill doesn’t force landlords, co-ops or condo boards to say yes. In New York City especially, check your building’s rules.
Sources
- pv magazine USA, New York legislature passes SUNNY Act, June 1, 2026.
- Solar.com, 2026 Guide to Balcony & Plug-In Solar (state law table, updated October 1, 2026).
- Electricity prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (March 2026 data).
- Production and savings: our calculation method.