Does National Grid offer net metering in Albany?

Yes — National Grid credits the solar you export to the grid in Albany under New York's modified net metering, valued at ~70–90% of retail. That credit is what lets a well-sized system zero out most of your annual bill.

Is solar worth it in Albany?

At 4.2 peak sun hours, a 9.6 kW system in Albany produces about 11,773 kWh a year. With $0 federal credit, this model puts payback near 12.9 years and about $31,432 over 25 years after a $24,760 net cost, including New York's state incentive. It is a model, not a quote.

::ALBANY_INCENTIVES // 2026

AlbanySolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Albany?

The 9.6 kW system that fits a typical Albany home (about a $135/month bill) costs around $29,760 before incentives. With $0 federal credit and the 25% New York credit, the net cost in this model is roughly $24,760. Use the calculator on this page with your actual National Grid bill.

Updated October 2026 · National Grid · New York

Albany homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal residential credit. What remains is the 25% New York state credit and National Grid net metering. At 4.2 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $135/month bill (about 964 kWh) needs roughly a 9.6 kW system — 24 panels — and pays back in about 12.9 years.

Federal residential credit

NY State Credit

25%

Local Utility

National Grid

Net Metering

Active

Est. System Size

9.6 kW

Annual Production

11.8k kWh

Net cost ($0 federal)

$24,760

Est. Payback

12.9 yrs

::ALBANY_CALCULATOR

::INPUT_PARAMETERS

Monthly Electric Bill (USD)

State

Roof (sq ft, optional)

Solar Incentives Available in Albany

The federal residential credit does not apply to a Albany system installed in 2026. New York still lists a 25% state income tax credit (up to $5,000). National Grid sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.

Albany homes on National Grid combine net metering with New York's 25% state tax credit and NY-Sun incentives.

How Much Solar Albany Homes Produce

Albany gets 4.2 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,226 kWh per year here. A 9.6 kW system — the size that fits a typical $135/month National Grid bill — generates roughly 11,773 kWh annually, worth about $1,648 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.

National Grid Net Metering in Albany

National Grid credits excess solar generation from Albany homes under New York's modified net metering (~70–90% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full New York net metering rules →

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Albany?

At New York's 2026 average of $3.10/watt, the 9.6 kW system most Albany homes need runs about $29,760 before incentives. The federal residential credit is $0. The New York state credit in this model is $5,000. Net cost in this model is about $24,760, with payback around 12.9 years. Those figures use $0 federal credit.

::COMPARE_INSTALLERS

Get matched with vetted solar installers in Albany

The incentives on this page tell you what solar is worth. The next step is real quotes. Compare pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — free, no phone spam, and you stay anonymous until you choose to connect.

Compare Free Quotes →

SolarIQ may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners, at no cost to you. This never affects our incentive data or recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albany homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. This dataset still lists a 25% New York state tax credit (up to $5,000). National Grid offers net metering. Albany homes on National Grid combine net metering with New York's 25% state tax credit and NY-Sun incentives.