New York CitySolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
New York City homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit with 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 8.4 years.
Solar Incentives Available in New York City
Solar incentives in New York City come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Second, New York adds a 25% state income tax credit (up to $5,000) that stacks on top. Third, 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 30% federal credit takes off $10,509, and the New York state credit another $5,000 — landing the net cost near $19,521, with payback around 8.4 years.
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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 and we'll apply every New York and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.