NY-Sun is still alive and kicking. ConEd and NYSEG net metering rules actually favor solar owners. Here's the real math.
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Here's what nobody tells you about New York solar: The state has quietly built one of the best solar incentive programs in the country, but installers still quote wildly different prices. I've seen identical systems quoted at $18,000 and $26,000. The difference? How well you understand the market.
If you're paying ConEd, Central Hudson, or National Grid rates (and watching them climb 5-7% annually), solar math is increasingly attractive. Let's break down what actually matters for your wallet.
| Incentive | Type | Amount | Status | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal ITC (Solar Tax Credit) | Federal tax credit | 30% of system cost | Active | Dec 2032 (steps down) |
| NY-Sun (Megawatt Block) | State rebate | $0.20/W (ConEd) - $0.50/W (upstate) | Active | Budget-limited |
| NY State Tax Credit | State tax credit | 25% of system cost (max $5,000) | Active | Through 2025 (extension expected) |
| Net Metering | Export credit | Full retail rate credit | Active | 20-year grandfathering |
| Property Tax Exemption | Tax exemption | 100% for 15 years | Active | Ongoing |
| Sales Tax Exemption | Tax exemption | 100% on solar equipment | Active | Ongoing |
| NYSERDA Financing | Low-interest loan | 3.49-6.99% APR | Available | Ongoing |
NY-Sun rebates vary by utility territory and decrease as more solar is installed. Check current block rates at nyserda.ny.gov.
The NY-Sun program is New York's secret weapon for making solar affordable. Unlike tax credits (which require tax liability), this is a direct rebate paid to your installer and deducted from your system cost.
On a typical 8 kW system:
The catch: Once a block is fully subscribed, the rebate drops to the next (lower) level. Some utilities have already dropped 2-3 blocks. The rebates WILL continue declining.
The rebate you get is locked when you sign your contract, not when installation happens. Get quotes now to secure today's rates.
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| System size | Gross cost | After ITC & NY credits | Annual savings est. | Payback (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW (small home) | $11,600 | $5,620 | ~$900/yr | ~6.2 years |
| 6 kW (average home) | $17,400 | $8,430 | ~$1,350/yr | ~6.2 years |
| 8 kW (typical larger home) | $23,200 | $11,240 | ~$1,800/yr | ~6.2 years |
| 10 kW (large home) | $29,000 | $14,050 | ~$2,250/yr | ~6.2 years |
| + Battery storage (13.5 kWh) | +$12,000-$15,000 | +$8,400-$10,500 | +$200-$400/yr | Extended 3-4 yrs |
Assumes NY State tax credit of $5,000 max, average NY-Sun rebate of $0.35/W, federal 30% ITC. Actual costs vary by installer and location.
| Installer | Coverage | Avg rating | Licensed | My notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrun | Statewide | 4.0/5 (5k reviews) | Verified | Largest national installer. Good lease options. |
| SunPower | Statewide | 4.2/5 (3k reviews) | Verified | Premium panels, higher price. Strong warranty. |
| Tesla Energy | Select areas | 3.9/5 (2k reviews) | Verified | Competitive pricing, but customer service varies. |
| EmPower Solar | Long Island, NYC | 4.8/5 (800 reviews) | Verified | My top local pick. Excellent customer service. |
| Solar Liberty | Buffalo, Rochester | 4.6/5 (600 reviews) | Verified | Best for Western NY. Employee-owned. |
Rating data aggregated from Google Reviews and EnergySage. Updated Q1 2026.
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Unlike California's NEM 3.0 disaster, New York maintains full retail rate net metering. When you send power to the grid, you get credited at the same rate you pay for electricity. Simple, fair, profitable.
Translation: Your solar panels effectively spin your meter backwards during the day. Use those credits at night or during winter. It's the deal California used to have before utilities killed it.
These are averages. Your roof, shading, and usage affect the math. Get a personalized estimate.
Use our New York solar calculator →Install costs from EnergySage quarterly market reports. Electricity rates from US EIA. Peak sun hours from NREL PVWatts. NY-Sun rates directly from NYSERDA database. Installer ratings aggregated from public reviews. Nobody pays for inclusion. Last update: March 20, 2026.