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New York · NY

Solar Panels in New York:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

New York averages 1219.8 kWh per kWp per year with 4.5 peak sun hours per day. At 28.37¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $2,768/year and pays back in about 5.5 years.

💡 New York's 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) + 30% federal ITC = up to 55% of your system cost covered by credits.

New York Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.5 hrs
Avg solar yield1219.8 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate28.37¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)5.5 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$2,768/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in New York

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

25% state tax credit (up to $5,000), NY-Sun cash incentives, NYC property tax abatement

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Plus sales tax exemption. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in New York

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Sales Tax Exemption — Solar equipment is sales-tax exempt
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do New York Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 5 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

New York
1287.3 kWh/kWp · 5.2 yr payback
Buffalo
1150.6 kWh/kWp · 5.8 yr payback
Rochester
1154.5 kWh/kWp · 5.8 yr payback
Yonkers
1296.3 kWh/kWp · 5.1 yr payback
Rochester
1238.5 kWh/kWp · 6.6 yr payback
Syracuse
1217.2 kWh/kWp · 6.8 yr payback
Albany
1210.4 kWh/kWp · 5.5 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for New York.

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All New York incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in New York: Frequently Asked Questions

What is New York's solar tax credit?
New York offers a 25% residential solar tax credit, up to $5,000, on your state income taxes. Combined with the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025), a New York homeowner can reduce a $25,000 system's cost by $13,750 — bringing net cost to $11,250 before any utility rebates.
How does community solar work in New York?
Community solar lets renters and apartment dwellers subscribe to a share of a local solar farm without installing panels. You receive credits on your Con Edison or National Grid bill — typically saving 10–15% annually with no upfront cost. New York's NY-Sun program has expanded community solar across the state.
What is the NY-Sun Incentive Program?
NY-Sun is NYSERDA's flagship solar program offering cash incentives to homeowners, businesses, and communities that install solar. Residential incentives are typically $0.20–$0.40 per watt installed, paid directly to the installer who reduces your cost. The program has funded over 175,000 solar installations statewide.
Can I get solar panels on a New York City apartment?
Condo and co-op owners may be able to install solar if approved by the building board. Renters cannot install panels, but can subscribe to community solar for 10–15% bill savings with no installation required. NYC also has a Property Tax Abatement (NYC-STA) for building solar installations.

Going Solar in New York: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in New York. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in New York average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 28.37¢/kWh in New York, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    New York does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. 25% state tax credit (up to $5.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in New York typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for New York: New York averages 1219.8 kWh/kWp/year with 4.5 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 28.37¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$2,768/year and pays back in 5.5 years. 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000), NY-Sun cash incentives, NYC property tax abatement.