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Property tax exemption · NYC Department of Buildings · New York

NYC SEGS Property Tax Abatement

Up to 30% of project cost over 4 years

The Solar Electric Generating System Property Tax Abatement (SEGS) reduces NYC property tax for residential and commercial solar installations by up to 30% of total project cost, spread over 4 years (7.5% annually). The application must be submitted before installation begins — retrofitting application post-install is not allowed. Combined with NY-Sun upfront rebate, federal 25D, and NY State Solar Tax Credit, NYC SEGS makes New York City one of the strongest solar markets in the US for absolute incentive value despite the city's relatively modest solar resource.

Eligibility

Who qualifies?

NYC residential and commercial property owners. 1–4 family residential is the primary track for homeowners.

Application timing?

Must apply BEFORE installation begins. Post-install retrofitting is not allowed.

How is the credit applied?

Reduces NYC property tax bill by 7.5% of project cost annually for 4 years (30% total).

How to apply for NYC SEGS Abatement

  1. Pre-install application

    File Form ABT-PROP with NYC Department of Buildings before installation begins.

  2. Submit project documentation

    Include contractor estimate, system specifications, and proposed install date.

  3. Receive approval

    NYC DOB approves the abatement and notifies the Department of Finance.

  4. Install per approved plan

    Standard solar installation. Permit and inspection per NYC.

  5. Abatement applied to property tax

    Annual 7.5% reduction applies to your NYC property tax bill for 4 years post-commissioning.

Stacking with other programs

NYC stack delivers the highest absolute incentive value in the US: NY-Sun upfront ($1,400 typical) + federal 25D 30% + NY State 25% capped $5k + NYC SEGS 30% over 4 years + NYC RPTL §487 15-year exemption + NY sales tax exemption. Full stack on a $22,000 NYC solar install can exceed $18,000 in incentives.

Frequently asked questions

NYC SEGS vs RPTL §487? +
RPTL §487 is the 15-year property tax exemption on the added home value (statewide, opt-in by jurisdiction). NYC SEGS is the 4-year property tax abatement on project cost (NYC only). Both apply simultaneously to NYC solar installs.
Can I apply post-install? +
No. NYC SEGS requires pre-install application. Many NYC homeowners miss this deadline.
How does NYC SEGS interact with NYC building department permits? +
NYC solar permitting requires PE-stamped drawings, DOB submission, FDNY review (for batteries). The SEGS abatement application is separate from but concurrent with the permit process.
Brooklyn vs Manhattan vs Queens — does borough matter? +
NYC SEGS is uniform across all 5 boroughs. NYC permitting timelines differ (Manhattan typically slowest).

Official program page: https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/property-tax-incentives.page

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