Balcony Solar in New York
Everything you need to know about plug-in and balcony solar law in New York, plus what it means for what you're allowed to plug in, and what it saves.
Is it legal?
Almost. Awaiting Governor's signature.
New York's Senate Bill 8512A (with companion Assembly Bill 9111C) passed both chambers of the state legislature in 2026 and is currently awaiting Governor Hochul's signature. Once signed, it will permit systems up to 1,200W of plug-in solar per customer, which can be plugged into a standard outlet with no permit and no utility approval required.
The bill also bars utilities from charging any fee or requiring interconnection review for a qualifying plug-in solar device.
Once S 8512A is signed into law, New York will require full system certification for plug-in solar kits. Bright Saver is actively working toward achieving full system certification, at which point our 180W and 360W kits will qualify for New York's simplest tier.
What You Can Save in New York
New York's average residential electricity price is about 22.6 cents per kWh (EIA, 2026 average), well above the national average. Once the bill is signed, a 180 W kit generating about 270 kWh a year would save roughly $61 a year; a 360 W kit roughly $122.
New York's higher electricity rates mean each kilowatt-hour the panel produces is worth more than in most states. The kit would pay for itself faster than the national average, with no roof work or contractor needed.
The rules, in one table
Bill
Signed
S 8512A / A 9111C
Awaiting Governor's signature
Effective
Pending signature
Maximum System Size
1,200 W (proposed)
No-Electrician Threshold
N/A
Permit Required
No (proposed)
Utility Notification
Not required (proposed)
HOA Can Prohibit
Bright Saver Ships Here
N/A
Not yet - pending certification
If You Rent in New York
Once S 8512A is signed, nothing in it will require a landlord's permission for a plug-in system, and nothing is drilled or wired into the building. The kit comes down in under ten minutes when you move.
What to buy
Bright Saver does not currently ship to New York because the state's law requires full system certification, which we're actively working toward. Once New York signs S 8512A and Bright Saver achieves certification, our kits will qualify for the state's simplest tier. A $29 annual membership supports the coalition working to get bills like this across the finish line and secures member pricing for when we can ship.
Balcony Solar 180 W
Do-It-Yourself, No roof or electrician needed
MEMBER-ONLY PRICE
Balcony Solar 360 W
Do-It-Yourself, No roof or electrician needed
MEMBER-ONLY PRICE