Federal ITC 30% (tax credit)
State tax credit: Yes ($5,000)
Net metering (by utility)
There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
New York is the best place to go solar in the country. Legislators have created the right mix of industry and residential programs to spur huge solar growth, with over two gigawatts installed. Things are looking bright for the future, as the state is on pace for six gigawatts installed by 2025.
Between the New York state solar rebates and federal tax incentives, you could save 40% off the up-front cost of solar, and your panels will pay themselves off in just a few short years, leaving you with free electricity for the next few decades!
Learn what solar incentives are available to New York homeowners
See what New York solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or New York solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in New York
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
In New York, utility companies must provide net metering services for residential systems up to 25 kW. Any net excess electricity generation is credited to your next bill at the retail rate. Excess generation is reconciled annually at the avoided-cost rate.
However, solar customers do have to pay a monthly Customer Benefit Charge (CBC) that cannot be offset by solar generation. The customer benefit charge is based on the size of your solar system and your utility company. The CBC will equate to a few extra dollars per month and doesn't drastically impact your solar investment. CBC charges vary with your utility company, so a customer going solar with National Grid will have a different charge than an NYSEG solar customer or Con Edison customer.
However, New York is looking to transition to a new solar billing structure called the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER), or Value Stack, program. This program seeks to credit solar energy producers more accurately without pushing costs onto non-solar customers.
Through the NY-Sun PV Incentive Program, New York residents statewide are looking at rebate rates of $200 to $400 per kW on solar installations up to 25 kW. That means you can expect a rebate of $1,200-$2,400 on a 6 kW system. Be aware, however, that the incentive values get lower as state solar capacity goals are met. Long Island is already out of funding, so don’t be late to the awesome incentives party if you live in other areas of New York!
In addition to the 30% federal tax credit, you can qualify for a sizable 25% New York solar tax credit. You simply take 25% of your total installation cost (after you take the NY-Sun rebate) and file this handy New York tax form IT-255 to receive the credit.
Be mindful that there’s a cap of $5,000 on this. So, if your cost is more than $20,000, you won't get a tax credit bigger than $5,000 back from the state.
Lawmakers in New York have been doing their best to make going solar easier for residents. In addition to the above solar power rebates and tax credits, adding solar panels to your home is exempt from property tax increases for a solid fifteen years, even though installing solar panels adds roughly 20 times your annual electricity bill savings to your property value. In the case of our 6 kW example, that's about $28,000 of additional value to your home that you don't have to pay.
Also, contrary to other home upgrades like new kitchen stoves or bathroom fixtures, with solar panels in New York, you will not have to pay any sales taxes on your system! That's a bunch of cash you're saving right up front.
NYSERDA offers battery storage incentives for New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and the rest of the state (ROS). The funding is meant to be paired with the NY-Sun rebate outlined above.
As of 2022, there are only single-family residential incentives for battery storage available in Long Island.
The incentive amount is $250/kWh. So, if you install a Tesla Powerwall battery with a capacity of 13.5 kWh, your Powerwall system would be eligible for a rebate of $3,375. Your costs could be even lower if you are able to take the state and federal tax credits.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 8.6kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
106 solar companies in New York provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.85 116 Reviews
Dave Robinson, 1 day ago
Outstanding!! A very professional installation from first estimate through to swich on. Excellent communication throughout and explanation of details for the technical and financial aspects. In particular the project manager Michael Oliver, his site crew and office support. A pleasant and educational experience dealing with this company
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Dave Robinson, 1 day ago
Outstanding!! A very professional installation from first estimate through to swich on. Excellent communication throughout and explanation of details for the technical and financial aspects. In particular the project manager Michael Oliver, his site crew and office support. A pleasant and educational experience dealing with this company
4.83 229 Reviews
Frank H., over 1 month
Harvest Power and specifically Lenney Peters did an excellent job of making us feel comfortable with every step of the solar panel installation process. At the no-pressure sit-down meeting, all of the options were presented, with Lenney understanding our requests and needs and respecting them. Let me emphasize this point as this was a key piece in our decision making when shopping among solar companies. Where other companies were a bit patronizing, were trying to hand-hold, or even apply pressure, Harvest and Lenney understood that we knew what we were doing and had reverence that we had done a bit of research in advance. Another benefit of working with Harvest is that they also specialize in roofing, so the customer does not have to shop around for another, outside party in the event that one's roof does not meet the proper standards. We had gotten feedback about our roof from other parties, as well, so we knew the sales approach was genuine and sincere. It was reassuring that Harvest took care of everything, including the paperwork filing and all of the communications elements. Lenney personally makes himself available quite often and is passionate about his line of work. When he says we can reach out to him with any questions, I honestly believe we truly could, years later, and still receive the same level of care.
Read more
Frank H., over 1 month
Harvest Power and specifically Lenney Peters did an excellent job of making us feel comfortable with every step of the solar panel installation process. At the no-pressure sit-down meeting, all of the options were presented, with Lenney understanding our requests and needs and respecting them. Let me emphasize this point as this was a key piece in our decision making when shopping among solar companies. Where other companies were a bit patronizing, were trying to hand-hold, or even apply pressure, Harvest and Lenney understood that we knew what we were doing and had reverence that we had done a bit of research in advance. Another benefit of working with Harvest is that they also specialize in roofing, so the customer does not have to shop around for another, outside party in the event that one's roof does not meet the proper standards. We had gotten feedback about our roof from other parties, as well, so we knew the sales approach was genuine and sincere. It was reassuring that Harvest took care of everything, including the paperwork filing and all of the communications elements. Lenney personally makes himself available quite often and is passionate about his line of work. When he says we can reach out to him with any questions, I honestly believe we truly could, years later, and still receive the same level of care.
4.82 264 Reviews
Ed M., over 1 month
Installation was prompt, fast, extremely neat and professional. We are very happy with our system so far.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$13,750 ($2.75 per watt)
Ed M., over 1 month
Installation was prompt, fast, extremely neat and professional. We are very happy with our system so far.
4.79 89 Reviews
Larry P, 2 days ago
System installed about a year ago and could not be happier. It's producing equal to or above the designed output. SunBlue made the process very easy and were on time and schedule throughout the entire install. Also, when you need something, you call SunBlue and they are local, not a call center. I had to call at the start as one panel was producing but not reporting, they fixed it within hours.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,150 ($3.43 per watt)
Larry P, 2 days ago
System installed about a year ago and could not be happier. It's producing equal to or above the designed output. SunBlue made the process very easy and were on time and schedule throughout the entire install. Also, when you need something, you call SunBlue and they are local, not a call center. I had to call at the start as one panel was producing but not reporting, they fixed it within hours.
4.73 595 Reviews
Monica D., 1 day ago
From A-Z everyone in the process at Venture Solar provided an excellent service. Starting with sales representative Jessy to the installation team that finished the job in one (1) day. Now with the net metering we are delivering power back to Eversource Grid. It is worth it to us to have this system installed, and we are doing our share to save the environment.
Read more
Monica D., 1 day ago
From A-Z everyone in the process at Venture Solar provided an excellent service. Starting with sales representative Jessy to the installation team that finished the job in one (1) day. Now with the net metering we are delivering power back to Eversource Grid. It is worth it to us to have this system installed, and we are doing our share to save the environment.
4.72 108 Reviews
Jennifer MacVicar, over 1 month
Was very happy with the company until the leaks started. They said the roof was in good enough shape to put panels on. Now there's water POURING into my house and not only are they are saying it's not their fault, but that there were holes there before they put them on. So why did they not mention that before? They are now charging me hundreds of dollars to take the panels off to replace a roof that passed THEIR inspection less than a year ago. I am so surprised by the customer service for an issue I thought would be a non issue. You gave an inspection, saw no issues, but now say the holes were there and that’s not your fault? Water pouring in your house is incredibly stressful and I expected more.
Read more
Jennifer MacVicar, over 1 month
Was very happy with the company until the leaks started. They said the roof was in good enough shape to put panels on. Now there's water POURING into my house and not only are they are saying it's not their fault, but that there were holes there before they put them on. So why did they not mention that before? They are now charging me hundreds of dollars to take the panels off to replace a roof that passed THEIR inspection less than a year ago. I am so surprised by the customer service for an issue I thought would be a non issue. You gave an inspection, saw no issues, but now say the holes were there and that’s not your fault? Water pouring in your house is incredibly stressful and I expected more.
4.71 26 Reviews
cheryl, over 1 month
I spoke with Dov at Powerlutions regarding our solar contract. He was very knowledgeable, patient and extremely pleasant to work with. The installation team was very respectful and professional, it was very impressive to watch them do the job. I am looking forward to geeting good use out of our new solar panels. Thank you Dov and Powerlutions for an excellent experience.
Read more
cheryl, over 1 month
I spoke with Dov at Powerlutions regarding our solar contract. He was very knowledgeable, patient and extremely pleasant to work with. The installation team was very respectful and professional, it was very impressive to watch them do the job. I am looking forward to geeting good use out of our new solar panels. Thank you Dov and Powerlutions for an excellent experience.
4.70 66 Reviews
Mike K, over 1 month
Very happy with this company, everything went smoothly. Would recommend to anyone.
Read more
Mike K, over 1 month
Very happy with this company, everything went smoothly. Would recommend to anyone.
4.69 91 Reviews
Nick , over 1 month
I’m happy to give this review as my experience was very positive with New York State Solar. After years of contemplating solar and after narrowing it down to 3 different companies it was my salesperson that finally made me comfortable enough to explain it all to me in detail where I decided now was the time to commit to getting it. Special thanks to salesperson Danny (Cheong) who was very nice to work with along the way. He made things clear and was in constant contact every step of the way (even on his honeymoon.) I have since recommended him a few times and will continue doing so. If you are looking to get solar he is worth listening to. Contact him at DCheong@nystatesolar.com
Read more
Nick , over 1 month
I’m happy to give this review as my experience was very positive with New York State Solar. After years of contemplating solar and after narrowing it down to 3 different companies it was my salesperson that finally made me comfortable enough to explain it all to me in detail where I decided now was the time to commit to getting it. Special thanks to salesperson Danny (Cheong) who was very nice to work with along the way. He made things clear and was in constant contact every step of the way (even on his honeymoon.) I have since recommended him a few times and will continue doing so. If you are looking to get solar he is worth listening to. Contact him at DCheong@nystatesolar.com
4.66 32 Reviews
Bill Wachob, over 1 month
Rochester Solar Technologies is a wonderful company to work with, from the owner (Shawn Lessourd) to the amazingly efficient and responsive office staff (Christy Brown/Wolfgang), to the workmen themselves. This has been a most satisfying experience from beginning to end!<br />Contractor charged the net amount after the NYSERTA incentive, but not after the Federal and State tax incentives. These were able to be financed by Enerbank through a program by the maker of the solar panels (Sunpower).
Read more
Bill Wachob, over 1 month
Rochester Solar Technologies is a wonderful company to work with, from the owner (Shawn Lessourd) to the amazingly efficient and responsive office staff (Christy Brown/Wolfgang), to the workmen themselves. This has been a most satisfying experience from beginning to end!<br />Contractor charged the net amount after the NYSERTA incentive, but not after the Federal and State tax incentives. These were able to be financed by Enerbank through a program by the maker of the solar panels (Sunpower).
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
NYSERDA - NY SUN Smart Energy Loan Program