Solar in New York: companies, incentives, net metering and cost
I counted 8,592 home solar systems in utility records across 2 New York cities I cover. Pick a city to see which companies installed them, or read on for New York incentives, export credits, prices and payback in 2026.
| City | Systems (years) | Companies with 30+ systems | Most active | Utilities | kWh a year per kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 7,995 (2022–2024) | 22 | Sunrun | Consolidated Edison Co of New York | 1,353 |
| Yonkers | 597 (2022–2024) | 6 | Sunrun | Consolidated Edison Co of New York | 1,318 |
Net metering in New York: what utilities pay for exported power
Phase One net metering remains in place for homes: exports are netted against use and credits carry over, for a 20-year term from interconnection. Systems that received permission to operate on or after January 1, 2022 pay a monthly Customer Benefit Contribution set by the utility per kW of DC system size (NYSERDA, PSC VDER orders).
| Utility | Program | Credit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Edison Co of New York | Phase One net metering: kWh credits carried over, 20-year term; monthly Customer Benefit Contribution per kW for systems interconnected from 2022-01-01 | retail rate | tariff |
New York solar incentives and tax credits in 2026
- Federal tax credit: the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS). What changed.
- Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (Form IT-255): 25% of qualified solar equipment expenditures, up to $5,000, against New York State income tax; unused credit carries forward up to five years; purchased, leased and 10-year-plus PPA systems at a principal residence qualify (source).
- NY-Sun incentive (NYSERDA): paid to the installer per watt; the standard residential rate depends on the region's open block and can be exhausted, while income-qualified homes get $0.80/W under the Affordable Solar Residential Incentive — check the NYSERDA dashboard for the current block (source).
- Property tax: RPTL §487: the increase in assessed value from a solar energy system is exempt for 15 years, but each town, city, village and school district may opt out; the Department of Taxation and Finance keeps the opt-out list (records as of 2026-03-31).
- Sales tax: Tax Law §1115(ee): the sale and installation of residential solar energy systems equipment is exempt from the 4% state sales tax and the 3/8% MCTD tax; local sales tax may still apply (Publication 718-S); the buyer gives Form ST-121.
How much do solar panels cost in New York?
Average quoted prices before incentives in the New York cities I cover, and what that means for a 7 kW system:
| City | Price per watt | 7 kW system | Source, updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $2.76/W | $19,320 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
| Yonkers | $2.68/W | $18,760 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
Is solar worth it in New York without the federal credit?
Payback for a 7 kW system bought with cash, from each utility's current rate and export credit. No federal credit is assumed. How I calculate.
| City | Utility | Net cost | Bill savings, year 1 | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Consolidated Edison Co of New York | $19,320 | $2,641 | 7.3 years |
| Yonkers | Consolidated Edison Co of New York | $18,760 | $2,572 | 7.3 years |
Your payback depends on your bill and utility. Enter your ZIP for your own numbers:
Checked on 2026-09-21. How I calculate.
Have a quote already?
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