S8512B

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday authorizing plug-in solar systems for residential use, with a 62-0 vote on Senate Print 8512B, sponsored by Sen. Liz Krueger. The measure, known as the SUNNY Act, would allow New Yorkers to install small solar panels that plug directly into outlets—typically on balconies—to generate their own electricity and reduce energy bills. During floor debate, Sen. Walczyk raised technical questions about how the systems would integrate with the state's electrical grid and comply with fire and electrical codes, but ultimately supported the bill as a consumer-friendly option amid high utility costs. Sen. Parker, handling the bill for the absent Krueger, defended the measure by citing the successful deployment of over 4 million such systems in Germany without significant safety incidents. The bill would allow systems up to 1.2 kilowatts per meter, with credits for residential customers under 390 kilowatts and net-metering for larger systems. Krueger, in a statement read by Sen. May, called the bill a "commonsense" approach to climate action that could save constituents hundreds of dollars annually while reducing peak demand on the electrical grid. The legislation advances New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals by expanding access to clean energy generation.

The Senate accepted a Rules Committee report advancing Senate Print 8512B, an act to amend the Public Service Law sponsored by Sen. Krueger, directly to third reading. The report was approved by voice vote.