Pennsylvania vs New York Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Pennsylvania and New York solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | PA · Pennsylvania | NY · New York |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $145 | $165 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.3 ◆ | 4.2 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.9 ◆ | $3.1 |
| State Tax Credit | None | 25% / $5000 ◆ |
| Net Metering | retail | modified |
| SREC Market | ~$7400 | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | No | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | Yes |
| Payback, pre-credit model (yrs) | 8 | 6.9 ◆ |
| 25-yr savings, pre-credit model | $36,400 | $49,600 ◆ |
Payback and 25-year savings were modeled while the federal residential credit applied. They are not a 2026 quote. The calculator uses $0 federal credit and state incentives only.
State Tax Credit Comparison
Pennsylvania offers no state income tax credit. New York offers a 25% credit (capped at $5,000).
Net Metering Policies
Pennsylvania: retail rate net metering active. New York: modified rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Pennsylvania: $36,400 over 25 years (avg payback 8 yrs). New York: $49,600 over 25 years (avg payback 6.9 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
New York delivers stronger lifetime solar economics than Pennsylvania due to a larger state tax credit.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.