New YorkSolar Panel Costs & Savings
New York averages 3.6 hrs of peak sun per day with an average payback period of 6.5 years. Homeowners can save $48,200 over 20 years.
Peak Sun Hours
3.6 hrs
per day
6kW System Cost
$20,400
before incentives
Payback Period
6.5 yrs
average
20-Year Savings
$48,200
estimated
Solar Cost Breakdown in New York
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 6kW System Cost ($3.4/W) | $20,400 |
| Federal Tax Credit (30%) | -$6,120 |
| State Tax Credit (25%) | -$5,100 |
| State Rebate | -$5,000 |
| Net Cost | $4,180 |
Net Metering
Full Net Metering
Electricity Rate
24.33¢/kWh
Avg Monthly Bill
$123/mo
Solar Incentives in New York
NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive
NY-Sun provides per-watt incentives through ConEd and other utilities.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal ITC allows homeowners to deduct 30% of solar installation costs from federal taxes. Available for systems installed through 2032, stepping down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
New York State Tax Credit
New York offers a personal income tax credit of 25% of qualified solar expenses, capped at $5,000.
New York Property Tax Exemption
Solar installations are exempt from property tax increases for 15 years in New York.
Solar Potential by ZIP Code in New York
| ZIP | City | Sun Hours | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11701 | Amityville | 3.8 hrs | $1,664 | 8.6 yrs |
| 11901 | Riverhead | 3.8 hrs | $1,664 | 8.6 yrs |
| 10301 | Staten Island | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 10601 | White Plains | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 10701 | Yonkers | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 10901 | Suffern | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 11001 | Floral Park | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 11501 | Mineola | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 12601 | Poughkeepsie | 3.7 hrs | $1,620 | 8.9 yrs |
| 10001 | New York | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 10101 | New York | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 10451 | Bronx | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 11201 | Brooklyn | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 11354 | Flushing | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 12201 | Albany | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 10002 | New York | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 12401 | Kingston | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 12701 | Monticello | 3.6 hrs | $1,576 | 9.1 yrs |
| 13201 | Syracuse | 3.5 hrs | $1,533 | 9.4 yrs |
| 14602 | Rochester | 3.5 hrs | $1,533 | 9.4 yrs |
Compare With Other States
More Data for New York
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in New York?
A typical 6kW solar system in New York costs approximately $20,400 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit ($6,120) and state incentives, the net cost is approximately $4,180.
How long does solar take to pay for itself in New York?
The average solar payback period in New York is 6.5 years, faster than the national average of 9.4 years. After payback, homeowners enjoy free electricity for the remaining system life.
Does New York have net metering?
New York has full net metering. Homeowners receive full retail rate credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid.
How much sun does New York get for solar?
New York averages 3.6 peak sun hours per day, which is 0.9 hours below the national average. A 6kW system produces approximately 7,884 kWh per year.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: NREL, DSIRE, EIA