NY State Senate Bill 2025-S8512

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Dec 10, 2025	print number 8512a
Dec 10, 2025	amend (t) and recommit to rules
Sep 24, 2025	referred to rules

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

co-Sponsors

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2025-S8512 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A9111
Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §66-j, Pub Serv L

2025-S8512 - Summary

Defines "portable solar generation device"; exempts portable solar generation devices from interconnection or net metering requirements; requires the state energy conservation construction code to allow for portable solar generation devices to be connected to a building's wiring through an electrical outlet.

2025-S8512 - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8512

SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to portable solar
generation devices

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The SUNNY Act aims to remove regulatory barriers preventing the use of
small plug-in solar devices in residential and commercial buildings,
creating a new category for portable plug-in solar generation devices
for outside use. These devices expand equitable access for New Yorkers
to participate in the solar economy, particularly benefiting those who
may be renters or have the ability to install rooftop systems.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Names the bill the Solar Up Now NY Act

Section 2: Amends Section 66-j of the Public Service Law. Defines "port-

able solar generation device," and exempts such device from the defi-
nition of "solar electric generating equipment." Additionally, limits
such device to supplying a maximum power output of no more than 1,200 W
back to the electric grid, and requires such device to be certified by
Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent testing lab.

Section 3: Amends Section 66-j of the Public Service Law. Exempts port-
able solar generation devices from utility interconnection and net
metering requirements, as well as certain additional requirements that
utilities may apply. Protects utilities from liability for any damage
caused by a portable solar generation device.

Section 4 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

To confront the affordability crisis as well as achieve New York's clean
energy agenda and longterm climate goals, the state must use every tool
available to address rising energy costs, remove bureaucratic barriers,
help mitigate the impact of the abrupt repeal of the federal solar tax
credits, and strengthen existing state solar programs. Per the State's
obligations under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
(CLCPA), New York has excelled in utilizing solar power, but has strug-
gled in meeting emissions reductions, offshore wind, and renewable ener-
gy storage goals.

Plug-in solar devices offer an opportunity for New York to continue
expanding on the progress made towards a sustainable future, offering
residents guaranteed utility bill savings with minimal upfront costs and
without the need for burdensome permitting processes. These devices help
democratize energy production and expand access for New Yorkers who may
not own a home but have an outdoor space suitable for use, enabling
participation in the solar economy in a cost-effective manner. Wide-
spread adoption of plug-in solar devices could also reduce overall costs
for the electric grid, decreasing demand on the grid and reducing the
need for additional capacity investments, which will save all ratepayers
money.
Plug-in solar devices are not currently regulated in New York, prevent-
ing their adoption, while Utah leads the nation on expanding access to
this technology. As these devices become more popular across the United
States, adoption in the state is expected to grow significantly. Estab-
lishing clear guidelines now will ensure that products meet national
safety and performance standards, protect consumers, and promote respon-
sible expansion of this technology.

State-level leadership is urgently needed to deliver cost savings to
residents, accelerate clean energy adoption, and expand equitable access
to affordable power. This legislation provides a regulatory framework
for a nascent industry and ensures that New York maintains local over-
sight while advancing its affordability, clean energy, and climate
commitments.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill is effective immediately.

2025-S8512 - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   8512
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                            September 24, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. KRUEGER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
 
 AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation  to  portable  solar
   generation devices
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

   Section 1.  Short title. This act shall be known and may be  cited  as
 the "Solar UP Now NY Act".
   §  2.  Paragraph  (d)  of  subdivision 1 of section 66-j of the public
 service law, as amended by chapter 253 of the laws of 2013,  is  amended
 and a new paragraph (j) is added to subdivision 1 to read as follows:
   (d)  "Solar electric generating equipment" means a photovoltaic system
 (i) (A) in the case of a residential customer (other than a farm utiliz-
 ing a residential meter), with a rated capacity of not more  than  twen-
 ty-five  kilowatts; (B) in the case of a customer who owns or operates a
 farm operation as such term is defined in subdivision eleven of  section
 three  hundred  one of the agriculture and markets law utilizing a resi-
 dential meter with a rated capacity of not more than one  hundred  kilo-
 watts;  and  (C) in the case of a non-residential customer, with a rated
 capacity of not more than two thousand kilowatts; and (ii) that is manu-
 factured, installed, and operated in accordance with applicable  govern-
 ment  and  industry  standards, that is connected to the electric system
 and operated in conjunction with an electric corporation's  transmission
 and distribution facilities, and that is operated in compliance with any
 standards  and  requirements established under this section. SOLAR ELEC-
 TRIC GENERATING EQUIPMENT SHALL NOT INCLUDE A PORTABLE SOLAR  GENERATION
 DEVICE.
   (J)  "PORTABLE  SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE" MEANS A MOVEABLE PHOTOVOLTAIC
 GENERATION DEVICE THAT:
   (I) IS DESIGNED TO BE CONNECTED  TO  A  BUILDING'S  ELECTRICAL  SYSTEM
 THROUGH A STANDARD ELECTRICAL OUTLET;
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD13786-02-5

 S. 8512                             2
 
   (II)  IS INTENDED PRIMARILY TO OFFSET PART OF THE CUSTOMER'S ELECTRIC-
 ITY CONSUMPTION;
   (III)  IS LIMITED TO SUPPLYING A MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT OF NOT MORE THAN
 ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED WATTS TO THE UTILITY ELECTRIC GRID; AND
   (IV) IS  CERTIFIED  BY  UNDERWRITERS  LABORATORIES  OR  AN  EQUIVALENT
 NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING LABORATORY.
   § 3. Subdivision 7 of section 66-j of the public service law is renum-
 bered subdivision 8 and a new subdivision 7 is added to read as follows:
   7.  PORTABLE  SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE.   (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, A  PORTABLE  SOLAR  GENERATION  DEVICE  SHALL  NOT  BE
 SUBJECT TO INTERCONNECTION OR NET METERING REQUIREMENTS.
   (B)  AN  ELECTRIC CORPORATION MAY NOT REQUIRE A CUSTOMER USING A PORT-
 ABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE TO:
   (I) OBTAIN THE ELECTRIC CORPORATION'S APPROVAL  BEFORE  INSTALLING  OR
 USING THE DEVICE;
   (II) PAY ANY FEE OR CHARGE RELATED TO THE DEVICE OR FOR FEEDING ENERGY
 BACK INTO THE UTILITY ELECTRIC GRID; OR
   (III)  INSTALL  ANY  ADDITIONAL  CONTROLS  OR EQUIPMENT BEYOND WHAT IS
 INTEGRATED INTO THE DEVICE.
   (C) AN ELECTRIC CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE  LIABLE  FOR  ANY  DAMAGE  OR
 INJURY CAUSED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE.
   § 4. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A9111
Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §66-j, Pub Serv L

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8512A

SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law and the energy law, in relation
to portable solar generation devices

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The SUNNY Act aims to remove regulatory barriers preventing the use of
small plug-in solar devices in residential and commercial buildings,
creating a new category for portable plug-in solar generation devices
for outside use. These devices expand equitable access for New Yorkers
to participate in the solar economy, particularly benefiting those who
may be renters or have the ability to install rooftop systems.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Names the bill the Solar Up Now NY Act

Section 2: Amends Section 66-j of the Public Service Law. Defines "port-

able solar generation device," and exempts such device from the defi-
nition of "solar electric generating equipment." Additionally, limits
such device to supplying a maximum power output of no more than 1,200 W
back to the electric grid, and requires such device to be certified by
Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent testing lab.

Section 3: Amends Section 66-j of the Public Service Law. Exempts port-
able solar generation devices from utility interconnection and net
metering requirements, as well as certain additional requirements that
utilities may apply. Protects utilities from liability for any damage
caused by a portable solar generation device.

Section 4: Requires the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council,
within one year, to update the Code to optimize for portable solar
generation devices. For devices smaller than 391 Watts, the code shall
not require any changes to a building's wiring.

Section 5 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

To confront the affordability crisis as well as achieve New York's clean
energy agenda and longterm climate goals, the state must use every tool
available to address rising energy costs, remove bureaucratic barriers,
help mitigate the impact of the abrupt repeal of the federal solar tax
credits, and strengthen existing state solar programs. Per the State's
obligations under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
(CLCPA), New York has excelled in utilizing solar power, but has strug-
gled in meeting emissions reductions, offshore wind, and renewable ener-
gy storage goals.  Plug-in solar devices offer an opportunity for New
York to continue expanding on the progress made towards a sustainable
future, offering residents guaranteed utility bill savings with minimal
upfront costs and without the need for burdensome permitting processes.
These devices help democratize energy production and expand access for
New Yorkers who may not own a home but have an outdoor space suitable
for use, enabling participation in the solar economy in a cost-effective
manner. Widespread adoption of plug-in solar devices could also reduce
overall costs for the electric grid, decreasing demand on the grid and
reducing the need for additional capacity investments, which will save
all ratepayers money.

Plug-in solar devices are not currently regulated in New York, prevent-
ing their adoption, while Utah leads the nation on expanding access to
this technology. As these devices become more popular across the United
States, adoption in the state is expected to grow significantly. Estab-
lishing clear guidelines now will ensure that products meet national
safety and performance standards, protect consumers, and promote respon-
sible expansion of this technology.  State-level leadership is urgently
needed to deliver cost savings to residents, accelerate clean energy
adoption, and expand equitable access to affordable power. This legis-
lation provides a regulatory framework for a nascent industry and
ensures that New York maintains local oversight while advancing its
affordability, clean energy, and climate commitments.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill is effective immediately.

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  8512--A
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                            September 24, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  KRUEGER,  GONZALEZ, GOUNARDES, HARCKHAM, JACKSON,
   MAY, SALAZAR -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be
   committed to the Committee on  Rules  --  committee  discharged,  bill
   amended,  ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit-
   tee

 AN ACT to amend the public service law and the energy law,  in  relation
   to portable solar generation devices
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1.  Short title. This act shall be known and may be  cited  as
 the "Solar Up Now NY Act".
   §  2.  Paragraph  (d)  of  subdivision 1 of section 66-j of the public
 service law, as amended by chapter 253 of the laws of 2013,  is  amended
 and a new paragraph (j) is added to subdivision 1 to read as follows:
   (d)  "Solar electric generating equipment" means a photovoltaic system
 (i) (A) in the case of a residential customer (other than a farm utiliz-
 ing a residential meter), with a rated capacity of not more  than  twen-
 ty-five  kilowatts; (B) in the case of a customer who owns or operates a
 farm operation as such term is defined in subdivision eleven of  section
 three  hundred  one of the agriculture and markets law utilizing a resi-
 dential meter with a rated capacity of not more than one  hundred  kilo-
 watts;  and  (C) in the case of a non-residential customer, with a rated
 capacity of not more than two thousand kilowatts; and (ii) that is manu-
 factured, installed, and operated in accordance with applicable  govern-
 ment  and  industry  standards, that is connected to the electric system
 and operated in conjunction with an electric corporation's  transmission
 and distribution facilities, and that is operated in compliance with any
 standards  and  requirements established under this section. SOLAR ELEC-
 TRIC GENERATING EQUIPMENT SHALL NOT INCLUDE A PORTABLE SOLAR  GENERATION
 DEVICE.

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD13786-05-5
 S. 8512--A                          2

 
   (J) "PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE" MEANS A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND
 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT THAT:
   (I)  IS  DESIGNED  TO  BE  CONNECTED TO A BUILDING'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
 THROUGH A STANDARD ELECTRICAL OUTLET;
   (II) IS LIMITED TO SUPPLYING A MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT OF NOT  MORE  THAN
 ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED WATTS TO THE UTILITY ELECTRIC GRID; AND
   (III)  IS  CERTIFIED  BY  UNDERWRITERS  LABORATORIES  OR AN EQUIVALENT
 NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING LABORATORY.
   § 3. Subdivision 7 of section 66-j of the public service law is renum-
 bered subdivision 8 and a new subdivision 7 is added to read as follows:
   7. PORTABLE  SOLAR  GENERATION  DEVICE.    NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, UNLESS THE OWNER OF A PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE
 SHALL  CHOOSE TO VOLUNTARILY ENTER INTO AN INTERCONNECTION OR NET METER-
 ING AGREEMENT:
   (A) A PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO  INTER-
 CONNECTION OR NET METERING REQUIREMENTS.
   (B)  AN  ELECTRIC CORPORATION MAY NOT REQUIRE A CUSTOMER USING A PORT-
 ABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE TO:
   (I) OBTAIN THE ELECTRIC CORPORATION'S APPROVAL  BEFORE  INSTALLING  OR
 USING THE DEVICE;
   (II) PAY ANY FEE OR CHARGE RELATED TO THE DEVICE OR FOR FEEDING ENERGY
 BACK INTO THE UTILITY ELECTRIC GRID; OR
   (III)  INSTALL  ANY  ADDITIONAL  CONTROLS  OR EQUIPMENT BEYOND WHAT IS
 INTEGRATED INTO THE DEVICE.
   (C) AN ELECTRIC CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE  LIABLE  FOR  ANY  DAMAGE  OR
 INJURY CAUSED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE.
   §  4.  Section  11-104  of  the  energy law is amended by adding a new
 subdivision 10 to read as follows:
   10. WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS  SUBDIVISION,  IRRE-
 SPECTIVE  OF  ANY SYSTEM STANDARD ESTABLISHED BY ANY TESTING LABORATORY,
 THE CODE SHALL BE OPTIMIZED  TO  ALLOW  FOR  PORTABLE  SOLAR  GENERATION
 DEVICES, AS DEFINED IN SECTION SIXTY-SIX-J OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW, TO
 BE  CONNECTED  TO  A BUILDING'S WIRING THROUGH AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET. FOR
 DEVICES SMALLER THAN A THRESHOLD OF NO LESS THAN THREE  HUNDRED  NINETY-
 ONE  WATTS,  THE  CODE  SHALL  NOT REQUIRE ANY CHANGES TO THE BUILDING'S
 PREMISES WIRING.
   § 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S8512

Sponsored By

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2025-S8512 - Details

2025-S8512 - Summary

2025-S8512 - Sponsor Memo

2025-S8512 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

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Sponsored By

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2025-S8512 - Details

2025-S8512 - Summary

2025-S8512 - Sponsor Memo

2025-S8512 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S8512A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments