Solar Rebates in New York (2026)
New York stacks the federal 25D credit (30%) with one of the most generous state-level solar tax credits in the country: 25% of system cost up to $5,000. On top, NY-Sun MW Block administered by NYSERDA pays per-kW upfront rebates that vary by zone — currently $0.20–$0.40 per watt. Local property-tax exemptions apply in 80%+ of New York jurisdictions (15-year exemption is the default). Net metering uses the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) tariff — slightly lower than full retail but still meaningful, around $0.10–$0.13/kWh in ConEd territory. Total stack regularly delivers 50%+ system cost coverage for downstate homeowners.
New York solar programs available
| Program | Amount | Type | Authority | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit | 30% | Tax credit | IRS | Dec 31 2032 |
| NY State Solar Energy System Equipment Credit | 25% up to $5,000 | Tax credit | NY Department of Taxation and Finance | Through 2032 |
| NY-Sun MW Block | $0.20–$0.40 per watt upfront | Rebate | NYSERDA | Annual block — until depleted |
| NY-Sun Affordable Solar (Income-qualified) | $0.80–$1.00 per watt upfront | Rebate | NYSERDA | Ongoing |
| Property Tax Exemption (RPTL §487) | 100% added value, 15-year | Tax credit | Local jurisdictions opt-in | 15 years |
| NYC Real Property Tax Abatement | Up to 30% project cost over 4 years | Tax credit | NYC Department of Buildings | Apply before installation |
| VDER Net Metering | Value of DER stack: energy + capacity + demand reduction + LSRV + environmental | Net metering | NY PSC | Ongoing |
| Sales Tax Exemption (Solar Equipment) | 100% state + local sales tax | Tax credit | NY State | Permanent |
| On-Bill Recovery Loan | Up to $25,000 — repaid via utility bill | Loan | NYSERDA / Energy Finance Solutions | Ongoing |
Eligibility quick check
Do all NY counties offer the property-tax exemption?
No — the RPTL §487 exemption is opt-in by jurisdiction. Most major counties (Westchester, Suffolk, Nassau, NYC, Albany) participate. A handful of Long Island school districts do not.
How does NYC property-tax abatement differ from RPTL §487?
NYC uses its own Solar Electric Generating System (SEGS) Property Tax Abatement — up to 30% of project cost spread over 4 years. Apply before installation begins.
Income limits for NY-Sun Affordable Solar?
≤80% Area Median Income for the Affordable Solar tier. Roughly 2x the standard rebate per watt.
How to stack with the federal credit
New York programs combine with the federal 25D 25D Credit (30% of cost, no cap) — see the 25D guide for filing instructions and forms.
Worked stacking example
Brooklyn homeowner, 7 kW system at $22,000: NY-Sun rebate $1,400 ($0.20/W) → basis $20,600. Federal 25D 30% = $6,180. NY State 25% = $5,000 cap. NYC SEGS abatement ~$5,500 over 4 years. Total incentives ~$18,080 on $22,000 system.