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Solar Panel Cost in New York (2026)

The short answer: in New York, solar costs about $2.70–$3.50 per watt installed. A typical 8 kW home system runs roughly $22,000–$28,000. The 30% federal tax credit ended Dec. 31, 2025 for purchased systems — but New York has some of the best remaining incentives in the country, including a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000).

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New York solar cost at a glance

System sizeTypical homeEstimated cost
6 kWSmaller / efficient home~$18,500
8 kWAverage New York home~$25,000
10 kWLarger / high-usage home~$31,000

New York has high electricity rates (~23¢/kWh) and moderate sun (~3.8 peak sun hours/day). The high rate plus strong state incentives is what keeps payback competitive even without the federal credit.

New York incentives in 2026

  • NY State Solar Tax Credit — 25% of system cost, capped at $5,000 — the most valuable remaining incentive after the federal credit's end.
  • NY-Sun rebate — NYSERDA's per-watt upfront incentive (amount varies by utility region and declines as blocks fill).
  • Net metering — New York credits excess solar (full retail for many residential systems; transitioning to the Value Stack / VDER).
  • Sales tax exemption — solar equipment is exempt from state sales tax.
  • Property tax exemption — a 15-year exemption on the added home value from solar (where adopted locally).

(Programs and rates change — confirm with NYSERDA, your utility, and a tax professional.)

How long does solar take to pay off in New York?

Thanks to high rates and stacked state incentives — even without the federal credit — many New York homeowners still see payback in about 8–11 years, then largely free power for the rest of the system's 25+ year life. The state's 25% credit and NY-Sun rebate do a lot of the heavy lifting here.

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Frequently asked questions

Does New York still have a state solar tax credit?

Yes — 25% of system cost up to $5,000, separate from the (now-ended) federal credit. New York also offers the NY-Sun rebate and tax exemptions.

Did New York lose the federal solar tax credit?

The 30% federal residential credit ended nationwide on Dec. 31, 2025 for purchased systems. New York's state credit, NY-Sun, and net metering still apply.

Does solar work with New York's cloudy winters?

Yes — annual production accounts for seasonal variation, and high electricity rates plus net metering let summer surpluses offset winter usage.

Solar cost in other states: National guide · California · Texas · Florida · Arizona · Pennsylvania · New Jersey · North Carolina · Massachusetts · Wisconsin

Solar Cost Advisor is a free, neutral tool — we don't sell panels. We help New York homeowners understand real solar costs and, if they choose, connect with vetted local installers. Get your free estimate →

Solar Cost Advisor™ is a brand of LTR Advisory LLC. Estimates are general information, not a quote or tax advice. Home