1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing as a New York resident and constituent to express my strong support for legislation that would explicitly permit and facilitate the use of plug-in solar panels — also known as balcony solar or apartment solar systems — throughout the state. These compact, portable solar units allow renters, condo owners, and homeowners to plug directly into a standard outlet and generate their own clean electricity with minimal installation. They require no roof access, no licensed electrician, and no costly permits. For the millions of New Yorkers who rent or live in multi-unit buildings, they represent one of the only viable paths to personal solar energy adoption. New York has set ambitious clean energy targets, including generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Plug-in solar is a practical, low-cost tool to help meet those goals — from the ground up, one household at a time. Yet unclear regulations and outdated utility interconnection rules currently create barriers for residents who want to adopt this technology. Some buildings and utilities outright discourage or prohibit their use, even though the technology is safe, widely adopted in Europe, and increasingly affordable. I urge you to take the following steps: -Pass legislation clarifying that plug-in solar panels are legal for residential use statewide -Require utilities to accommodate plug-in solar systems without penalizing users -Work with building codes and co-op/condo regulations to prevent blanket prohibitions -Create a simple, streamlined registration process in place of costly permitting Empowering everyday New Yorkers to generate their own clean energy reduces grid demand, lowers electricity bills, and accelerates our transition away from fossil fuels. This is an affordable, accessible solution that benefits renters and owners alike — not just those who can afford a full rooftop installation. Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to a cleaner, more affordable New York. I hope you will champion this common-sense policy.