New York Solar Rebates and Incentives

With Solar Community, You Save the Most on Your Solar System!

Now, more than ever before, going solar has been made both cost-effective and simple for homeowners. Cost-effectiveness is largely assisted by Government-initiated residential solar rebates and incentives, which are in place on a Federal, State and Local level. Simplicity is achieved with Solar Community, as we handle the entire paperwork process for you. By thoroughly researching and matching cost-cutting solar rebates and incentives on a case-by-case basis, we will work hard to ensure the lowest system cost possible for each individual customer. With Solar Community helming the whole procedure, it couldn’t be easier for you!

Federal: Save With a Tax Credit

The same U.S. Federal Credit applies to every new system installation at a flat 30% of the full system price after installation, with no upper limit. Solar Community will provide you with the document necessary to add to your tax forms. The discount comes for you as a tax credit. All applicable photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirements. For more information on the Federal Tax Credit, click here.

State: The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Solar Electric Incentive Program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides cash incentives for the installation by Eligible Installers of new grid-connected Solar Electric or Photovoltaic (PV) systems that are 7kW or less for residential, 25kW or less for not-for-profit and 50 kW or less for commercial sites. Funding for the Solar Electric Incentive Program (“Program”) has been allocated by the New York State Renewable Portfolio Standard. The goal of the program is to install 82 MW or 93,806 MWhs of Solar Electric Power systems. Grants are also available for not-for-profit and commercial solar PV installations. Incentives will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and PV incentive applications will be accepted through December 31, 2015, or until funds are fully committed, whichever comes first. The NYSERDA provides an incentive of $1.75 per watt (DC) to eligible installers for the installation of approved, grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. Customers who pay the state's RPS charge are eligible to participate in the PV Incentive Program. More information is available on the NYSERDA website.

State: Residential State Income Tax Credit

New York residents are offered a personal income tax credit equal to 25% of the total installation and labor costs, with a maximum credit of $5,000. Only systems up to 10 kW are eligible, except 50 kW for solar systems owned by condominium or cooperative housing associations. Detailed information and specifics can be found in the New York tax code.

State/Local: Residential Sales Tax Exemption

New York enacted legislation in July 2005 exempting the sale and installation of residential solar-energy systems from the state's sales and compensating use taxes. The exemption applies to solar-energy systems that utilize solar radiation to produce energy designed to provide heating, cooling, hot water and/or electricity. The exemption does not apply to solar pool heating or other recreational applications. There is not an expiration date for this incentive.

The law also permits local governments (municipalities and counties) to grant an exemption from local sales taxes. If a city with a population of 1 million or more chooses to grant the local exemption, it must enact a specific resolution that appears in the state law. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance has issued a small amount of additional guidance and instructions on how to claim the exemption in Publication TSB-M-05(11)S.

Local: Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC)

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) represent the renewable attributes of solar generation, bundled in minimum denominations of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of production.

The renewable portfolio standard goals adopted in New York do not include any special provisions requiring solar energy. At this time there is no requirement for utility companies in New York to purchase SRECs and thus SRECs have no value in New York. The New York Public Service Commission has indicated that it supports a transition to a system similar to those in other states.

Choose a state below for more information about how Solar Community can help you save on your solar PV system.