Solar panels on a residential home in New York
Solar by StateNew York
Strong Incentive State

Solar Panels in New York

Strong Incentives Despite Fewer Sunny Days

$1,700/yr

Avg. Annual Savings

4.5 peak hrs/day

Peak Sun Hours

6–9 years

Payback Period

$15,000–$24,000

Avg. System Cost

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Overview

Is Solar Worth It in New York?

New York may not be the sunniest state, but it has some of the strongest solar incentives in the country — and some of the highest electricity rates, which means every kilowatt-hour your panels produce is worth more. The NY-Sun program and a 25% state tax credit make New York one of the most financially attractive states for solar despite its northern latitude.

New York City and Long Island residents have additional incentive programs through Con Edison and PSEG Long Island.

Benefits

Why Go Solar in New York

Reduce Your Electric Bill

New York homeowners save an average of $1,700/yr after going solar.

Federal 30% Tax Credit

Deduct 30% of your total system cost from your federal income taxes.

Increase Home Value

Solar panels increase your home's resale value — and are excluded from property tax in most states.

Energy Independence

Lock in your electricity rate and protect against rising utility costs for 25+ years.

Available Incentives

New York Solar Incentives & Tax Credits

NY-Sun Incentive Program

State Program

New York's NY-Sun program provides upfront incentives for residential solar installations, administered through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Up to $0.20/watt incentive

NY State Solar Tax Credit

Tax Credit

New York offers a 25% state income tax credit on the cost of your solar system, up to $5,000 — one of the highest state credits in the country.

25% credit (up to $5,000)

Net Metering

Net Metering

New York utilities offer net metering at the full retail rate, maximizing the value of your excess solar production.

Full retail rate credits

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Tax Credit

The federal 30% ITC applies to all New York homeowners who purchase their solar system.

30% of system cost

Common Questions

New York Solar FAQ

Yes — New York's high electricity rates (averaging $0.22+/kWh) mean every kWh your panels produce saves you more money than in cheaper-electricity states. Combined with the NY state credit and NY-Sun incentive, payback periods are very competitive.

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