Solar in New York 2026: 25% Tax Credit, NY-Sun & Fast Payback
New York offers a 25% state tax credit (cap $5,000) plus NY-Sun rebates and full retail net metering. See how the strongest state stack in America shortens solar payback.
By The PVFig Editorial Team · 2026-08-10 · reviewed against EIA, NREL and DSIRE sources
The strongest state incentive stack
New York combines a 25% state income tax credit (cap $5,000), NY-Sun upfront rebates ($0.20–$0.40/W), full-retail net metering, and a property tax exemption. After the federal credit expired, NY is arguably the best solar state in the US for new buyers.
High rates + decent production
With electricity around 29.2¢/kWh and production ~1,214 kWh/kW, a 6 kW system in New York offsets roughly $1,900–$2,100/year in bills before incentives. The 25% credit on top can cut net cost by thousands.
Real 2026 payback
A typical New York system pays back in 7–9 years — one of the fastest in the country. Downstate (Con Ed territory, 30¢+/kWh) pays back even faster. Use the PVFig ROI calculator with your actual numbers.
FAQ
Does New York have a solar tax credit in 2026?
Yes — 25% of net cost, capped at $5,000. Combined with NY-Sun rebates and full retail net metering, it is one of the strongest solar stacks in America.
Is solar worth it in New York in 2026?
Yes — among the fastest paybacks in the US, typically 7–9 years for a 6 kW system.
What is the NY-Sun rebate?
An upfront per-watt rebate from NY-Sun (roughly $0.20–$0.40/W), which installers typically subtract from your price.
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Sources
- U.S. EIA — electricity rates by state, eia.gov/electricity/monthly
- NREL PVWatts v8 — solar production by location, pvwatts.nrel.gov
- DSIRE — state incentives and net metering, dsireusa.org
- See how every figure on this page is calculated — PVFig methodology.
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