NY-Sun is the state's solar incentive program, administered by NYSERDA. It provides upfront, per-watt rebates to reduce installation cost; the rebate amount varies by region and declines in blocks as capacity fills.

Solar Panels in New York (2026 Guide)

Q: How much do solar panels cost in New York in 2026?

About $2.70–$3.30 per watt installed — roughly $16,000–$20,000 for a 6 kW system and $27,000–$33,000 for a 10 kW system, before incentives. State incentives bring the net cost down significantly.

Q: Does New York have a solar tax credit?

Yes. New York offers a state solar tax credit worth 25% of system cost, capped at $5,000. This is separate from the (now-expired) federal credit and remains available in 2026.

Q: Is solar worth it in New York?

For most homeowners, yes — high electricity rates plus a 25% state credit, NY-Sun rebates, net metering, and tax exemptions make New York one of the strongest solar states in 2026.

New York is one of the strongest solar states in the country in 2026 — not because of sun (it's middling), but because of incentives and high power prices. New York still offers a 25% state tax credit, NY-Sun rebates, net metering, and tax exemptions, which together can cut your net cost dramatically. With the federal credit gone, these state programs are now the headline benefit.

Want your exact New York numbers? Get a free, no-obligation solar quote →

New York colonial-style home with rooftop solar panels surrounded by autumn foliage — Solar on a typical New York home. High electricity rates and stacked state incentives make New York one of the strongest solar markets in 2026.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in New York?

New York runs near or slightly above the national average, around $2.70–$3.30 per watt before incentives:

6 kW system: ~$16,000–$20,000
8 kW system: ~$21,000–$26,000
10 kW system: ~$27,000–$33,000

New York solar cost by system size, before incentives ($2.70–$3.30 per watt). Source: EnergySage.

But New York's stacked incentives bring the net cost down sharply — often the lowest effective cost of any state once the credit and rebates apply. See our 2026 cost breakdown.

What drives your cost in New York

Your quote depends on system size, roof complexity (older NYC-area and steep roofs cost more), equipment tier, and permitting/interconnection, which varies by utility and municipality. Snow load and winter production are factored into system sizing in much of the state.

New York Solar Incentives in 2026

25% state tax credit (up to $5,000)

New York's Solar Energy System Equipment Credit is worth 25% of your system cost, capped at $5,000. It applies to purchased systems and even to certain lease/PPA arrangements, and any unused amount can carry forward. This is a state credit and is unaffected by the federal credit's expiration.

NY-Sun rebate (NYSERDA)

The NY-Sun program provides an upfront, per-watt rebate applied through your installer. The amount varies by region (Upstate, Con Edison, PSEG Long Island) and steps down in "blocks" as regional capacity fills, so the available rebate changes over time — confirm the current block value when you get quotes.

Net metering

New York offers net metering, crediting you for exported power, though newer customers may fall under a "value stack" / CBC (Customer Benefit Contribution) structure depending on utility and system size. Your installer can confirm which applies.

Tax exemptions

New York provides a property tax exemption on the added home value from solar (where the local jurisdiction has opted in) and a state sales-tax exemption on residential solar equipment.

No federal residential credit in 2026

The 30% federal residential credit expired December 31, 2025 — but New York's 25% state credit and NY-Sun rebate remain. A federal benefit still flows through leases and PPAs. See our 2026 incentives guide.

Major New York Utilities

Key utilities include Con Edison (NYC and Westchester), National Grid (upstate), NYSEG and RG&E (central/western NY), Orange & Rockland, and PSEG Long Island. Each falls into a NY-Sun region with its own rebate block and net-metering/value-stack terms, so your exact incentives depend on who serves your address.

Is Solar Worth It in New York?

For most homeowners, yes — emphatically. High electricity rates mean strong bill savings, and the stacked state incentives (25% credit + NY-Sun rebate + tax exemptions) often produce one of the shortest payback periods in the country, commonly in the 6–10 year range for cash purchases. A custom quote tied to your utility and NY-Sun region is the way to see your real numbers. See also Is Solar Worth It in 2026?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in New York in 2026?
About $2.70–$3.30 per watt — ~$16,000–$20,000 for 6 kW and $27,000–$33,000 for 10 kW, before incentives.

Does New York have a solar tax credit?
Yes — a 25% state credit capped at $5,000, still available in 2026 and separate from the expired federal credit.

What is NY-Sun?
NYSERDA's program providing upfront per-watt rebates that vary by region and step down as capacity fills.

Does New York have net metering?
Yes, though newer customers may fall under a value-stack/CBC structure depending on utility and system size.

Is solar worth it in New York?
For most homeowners, yes — high rates plus stacked state incentives often yield a 6–10 year payback.

Sources

NY costs: EnergySage. 25% state credit: NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance. NY-Sun & net metering: NYSERDA. Incentives overview: DSIRE (New York). Federal credit expiration: IRS OBBB FAQ.

See how New York compares nationwide: our Net Metering by State (2026) guide covers how every state's utility credits solar exports.