ALBANY - Last night, the New York State Senate voted unanimously - 62-0 - to pass the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act (S8512B Krueger/ A9111B Gallagher)! The SUNNY Act will legalize "balcony solar," the small, plug-in solar panels that anyone can use to save on energy bills. Now, advocates are calling on the Assembly to follow the Senate's lead and pass the legislation. With the SUNNY Act, New Yorkers – especially renters – will be able to take advantage of this new technology that allows them to safely create their own power, lower their own energy bills, and do their part to cut pollution and fight climate change.

"The SUNNY Act will open the door for millions more New Yorkers to have access to cheap, clean solar power, be part of the solution to the climate crisis, and shave a little bit off their electricity bill every month. Once the market for plug-in solar fully matures, like it already has in Germany, New Yorkers will be able to simply walk into a store, pay a few hundred bucks for a system, take it home and plug it in like any other appliance, and start saving hundreds of dollars every year. This is a small but important step to help New Yorkers fight climate change, save money, and claim real energy independence," said Senator Liz Krueger.

"The SUNNY Act is one of my most popular bills, because it is so straightforward and common sense. It would lower utility costs, reduce emissions, and expand access to the solar economy for millions of New Yorkers who have previously been shut out of the market. At this moment, when the cost of utilities are rising constantly, the Assembly must follow in the Senate's footsteps to ensure we are fighting for New Yorkers' present and future," said lead sponsor of the bill, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.

"Plug-in solar is a proven way to lower energy bills and make affordable clean energy accessible to all. We're grateful to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, lead sponsor Senator Liz Krueger, and the entire senate conference who voted to pass the SUNNY Act, helping New Yorkers cut costs and emissions at the same time. Now we need the Assembly to legalize plug-in solar so that homeowners and renters alike can take their power back into their own hands," said Priya Mulgaonkar, Director of the Green Co-op Council.

"Having a plug-in solar panel has lowered my electric bills," said Lauren Phillips, Green Co-op Council member, mother of two and host of the first plug-in solar panel in the Bronx. "I am thrilled that the Senate has passed the SUNNY Act, taking one big step towards cheaper, greener energy for all New Yorkers. I urge the Assembly to follow suit immediately-every day delayed keeps clean power out of the hands of New York families."

"We're thrilled that the Senate passed the SUNNY Act today," said Liat Olenick, Program Director, Climate Families NY. "Affordable, accessible solar is the key to meeting our state's climate goals. We hope the Assembly will do their part to bring plug-in solar to New Yorkers, follow the example of senate leaders and schedule an Assembly vote ASAP."

"Expanding access to plug-in solar is a smart, practical step toward helping more households take control of their energy costs," said Elena Weissmann, Senior Northeast Regional Director at Vote Solar. "By removing outdated barriers, this legislation opens the door to affordable clean energy without requiring any new infrastructure -- an important piece of the puzzle as we work toward a more equitable, affordable, and democratic energy system."

"The SUNNY Act is a major win for families struggling with rising energy costs. We commend the State Senate for bringing us one step closer to a world where New Yorkers can plug in solar and lower their utility bills. No red tape, no barriers, and more affordable energy for all. We look forward to seeing SUNNY cross the finish line this session," said Hannah Birnbaum, Chief of Advocacy, Permit Power.

"New Yorkers like me are one step closer to being able to lower electricity bills with solar," said Glen Brand, VP of Policy and Advocacy at Solar United Neighbors Action. "Enabling plug-in solar is a smart way to combat the energy affordability crisis. We applaud the Senate for passing this bill and now look to Assemblymember Barrett's committee to move their bill forward. I can't wait to put panels on my balcony."

"So glad that the Senate has passed the SUNNY Act," said Pat Almonrode, Co-facilitator of Third Act NYC. "We and so many other activists have been advocating for this for a long time, and it's great to see it finally come to fruition. Congratulations to Senator Krueger, a stalwart champion for the environment. Now, on to the Assembly, to make plug-in solar available to all!"

"The SUNNY Act puts the power of clean, affordable energy directly in people's hands, lowering bills and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, said Kim Fraczek, Director of Sane Energy Project. "When energy comes from the sun on your own balcony or window, that's true energy independence, and it's exactly the kind of scalable, people-centered solution we need right now."

"Plug-in solar adds a basic technology to complement residential rooftop solar and utility-scale solar as the most affordable, most reliable, and most expeditious sources for generating electricity," said Michael Richardson, Third Act Campaigns Director. "New York joining Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland and soon other states in allowing plug-in solar will further accelerate the rapid buildout of solar energy generation such that fossil fuels will soon be relegated to the status of a boutique energy source."

"Passing the SUNNY act is a win for all New Yorkers. This bill increases equitable access to renewable energy and lowers energy bills at a time where affordability is crucial," said Clara Morgan, Legislative Associate with Environmental Advocates NY.

."As we watch the more than thirty plug-in solar bills move through legislatures nationwide, SUNNY leads the pack in terms of its commitment to making balcony solar accessible to everyone, especially renters," said Cora Stryker, Co-founder of Bright Saver, the first and only nonprofit dedicated to plug-in solar in the US. "This is a huge step toward giving all New Yorkers a way to reduce their electricity bills and not to have to make a trade-off between doing what's right for the climate and doing what's right for their households."

ABOUT THE SUNNY ACT

The SUNNY Act would exempt plug-in solar panels from existing interconnection and net metering requirements and help make solar generation available to millions of New Yorkers who cannot currently install rooftop solar in their own homes. Plug-in solar bills have become law in Utah and Maine, and legislation awaits the governor's signature in Colorado, Virginia, and Maryland. Legislation has been introduced in 28 other states.

Plug-in solar panels are small, portable solar panels that allow individuals to generate renewable energy by connecting to a standard household outlet or power source. These solar panels are becoming much more popular, especially as New Yorkers search for ways to help lower record-high gas and electric bills that are continuing to rise, and according to NPR, the panels "start shaving off part of a homeowner's or renter's utility bill right away."

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