New York CitySolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
New York City homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal residential credit. What remains is the 25% New York state credit and Con Edison net metering. At 4.6 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $175/month bill (about 1,250 kWh) needs roughly a 11.3 kW system — 29 panels — and pays back in about 12.3 years.
Solar Incentives Available in New York City
The federal residential credit does not apply to a New York City system installed in 2026. New York still lists a 25% state income tax credit (up to $5,000). Con Edison sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
NYC's high Con Edison rates plus New York's 25% state credit (up to $5,000) give one of the strongest payback cases in the country.
How Much Solar New York City Homes Produce
New York City gets 4.6 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,343 kWh per year here. A 11.3 kW system — the size that fits a typical $175/month Con Edison bill — generates roughly 15,178 kWh annually, worth about $2,125 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Con Edison Net Metering in New York City
Con Edison credits excess solar generation from New York City 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 New York City?
At New York's 2026 average of $3.10/watt, the 11.3 kW system most New York City homes need runs about $35,030 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 $30,030, with payback around 12.3 years. Those figures use $0 federal credit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Solar Incentives in Other New York Cities
See your exact New York City solar savings
Enter your Con Edison bill. The calculator uses $0 federal credit plus New York incentives — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.