New York homeowners pay some of the highest electricity rates in the US — averaging $0.19–$0.30/kWh depending on territory. Combined with the federal 30% tax credit, the NY state 25% solar tax credit (up to $5,000), the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive, and net metering, solar panels in New York offer outstanding returns. Enter your address to see which programs apply in your area.
New York may not be the sunniest state, but it's one of the smartest places to go solar — because of its exceptional incentive stack. No other state offers a combination like NY: federal 30% ITC plus a state 25% tax credit (up to $5,000) on top, plus the NY-Sun Megawatt Block upfront incentive, plus net metering, plus a property tax exemption under RPTL 487.
Con Edison customers in NYC and Westchester pay $0.24–$0.30/kWh. PSEG Long Island customers on Nassau and Suffolk pay $0.22–$0.28/kWh. At those rates, every kWh your solar panels produce is worth significantly more than the national average — making payback periods shorter and 25-year savings higher.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% federal tax credit on the full system cost — dollar for dollar off your federal tax bill. On a $30,000 NY system, that's $9,000 back in year one.
New York offers a state income tax credit equal to 25% of qualified solar installation costs, capped at $5,000. This is IN ADDITION to the federal 30% ITC — meaning NY homeowners stack both credits. On a $30,000 system: $9,000 federal + $5,000 NY state = $14,000 in tax credits before any other incentives.
NYSERDA's NY-Sun program provides upfront per-watt incentives to reduce the cost of residential solar. Incentive levels ($/W) vary by utility territory and decrease as blocks fill. Your installer applies on your behalf — the incentive reduces your out-of-pocket cost at signing.
New York requires all utilities to offer net metering. Excess solar production earns retail-rate credits on your bill. Con Edison, PSEG Long Island, Central Hudson, National Grid NY, and NYSEG all participate.
New York Real Property Tax Law Section 487 exempts solar installations from property tax assessment for 15 years. Some municipalities opt out — confirm your town's status with your installer.
Solar energy systems are exempt from New York State and local sales tax, saving 8–9% on equipment costs depending on your county.
Con Edison serves New York City and Westchester County. With rates of $0.24–$0.30/kWh, Con Ed customers see among the fastest solar payback periods in the state. Interconnection typically takes 8–14 weeks. Con Ed has its own NY-Sun Megawatt Block allocation.
PSEG Long Island serves all of Long Island. Rates of $0.22–$0.28/kWh and relatively low shading in suburban areas make Long Island one of NY's strongest solar markets. PSEG LI administers its own NY-Sun blocks.
Central Hudson serves the mid-Hudson Valley including Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Columbia, Greene, and Sullivan counties. Rates: $0.19–$0.24/kWh. Strong solar resource, growing installer competition.
Serves Rockland County and parts of Orange County. Rates similar to Central Hudson. RPTL 487 exemption widely honored in O&R territory.
National Grid serves Albany, Saratoga, and much of Western NY including Buffalo and Rochester areas. Rates: $0.18–$0.22/kWh. Solid solar ROI with strong state and federal incentives.
New York State Electric & Gas serves a large swath of upstate NY. Rates competitive with National Grid. NY-Sun blocks available through NYSEG territory.
2 minutes to submit. No commitment. Licensed NY installers only.