S 8512 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to portable solar generation devices

S 8512 (the "Solar UP Now NY Act") defines "portable solar generation devices" as moveable photovoltaic systems under 1,200 watts that connect via standard outlets to offset household electricity use. It exempts these devices from utility interconnection rules and net metering requirements, meaning customers don’t need utility approval, pay fees for grid feedback, or install extra equipment. The bill directly affects residential and small commercial users who want to use simple portable solar units without regulatory hurdles. Utilities cannot be held liable for damage from these devices, and the law takes effect immediately.

Issues: ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Sep 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Assembly Passage

Governor

Introduced Sep 24, 2025 Last action May 28, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

S8512B → S8512C · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add new sponsors and update its legislative history, reflecting progress in the Senate. Substantive changes include expanding the definition of portable solar devices to include a safety feature that prevents energizing the grid during outages, clarifying liability limits for utility companies, and adjusting the effective date of the law to 90 days after enactment instead of immediately.

Scope change

The scope of eligible devices was slightly expanded by adding a specific safety requirement, and the applicability of utility liability was refined to match existing legal standards.

DEFINITION

Added a requirement that portable solar devices must include a mechanism to prevent the system from energizing the building or grid during a power outage.

REQUIREMENT

Clarified that electric corporations are not liable for damages caused by these devices to the extent they would not be liable under general law.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the act from 'immediately' to 'ninety days after it shall have become a law'.

SCOPE

Added new sponsors to the bill, indicating additional legislative support and a change in the bill's version from B to C.

TECHNICAL

Updated the legislative history section to reflect that the bill has been reported favorably from the Rules Committee and passed by the Senate.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 21, 2026

How they voted

62–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 63

Apr 21, 2026

D Democratic41

40 Yea 1

97% Yea

R Republican22

22 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 14, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMENDED ON THIRD READING 8512C

upper

Apr 22, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY

lower

Apr 21, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED SENATE

upper

Apr 20, 2026

Committee

COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 8512B

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

Dec 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 8512A

upper

Dec 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO RULES

upper

Sep 24, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO RULES

upper

1 primary · 25 co-sponsors