New York Solar & Heat Pump Incentives 2026 — NY-Sun + $5,000 Heat Pump Rebate
New York runs one of the most comprehensive clean energy programs nationally through NYSERDA. The NY-Sun incentive, 25% state solar credit, and robust EmPower NY heat pump rebates make NY among the most incentive-rich states.
$26,000+
Max potential savings
5
Total incentives
22.8¢
Avg rate / kWh
7.2 yrs
Solar payback
$38,000
25-yr solar savings
2.2%
EV fleet share
Moderate ☀️
Solar potential
Solar Incentives in New York
NY-Sun Incentive (NYSERDA)
Up to $0.20/W
Per-watt incentive for residential solar installations, declining as the market matures. Rates vary by utility territory.
Eligibility: NY homeowners using NYSERDA-approved installers.
NY State Solar Tax Credit
25% of cost, up to $5,000
25% NY state income tax credit on solar system costs. The federal 25D solar ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
Eligibility: NY resident homeowners with state tax liability.
Heat Pump Incentives in New York
NYS Clean Heat Rebate (NYSERDA)
Up to $5,000
Rebates for cold-climate air source and geothermal heat pumps, including heat pump water heaters.
Eligibility: NY electric utility customers.
HEAR Rebate (High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate)
Up to $14,000
Point-of-sale rebate up to $8,000 for heat pumps, $1,750 for HPWHs, $4,000 for panel upgrades. Income-based.
Eligibility: Households < 150% of Area Median Income. Program administered by state energy offices.
EV Incentives in New York
Drive Clean Rebate (NYSERDA)
Up to $2,000
State rebate for new EVs and PHEVs, stackable with the federal EV tax credit.
Eligibility: NY residents purchasing new EVs. Income limits for higher rebate.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Compare bids from pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — the nation's largest online solar marketplace.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $38,000
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Solar Policy & Local Utilities in New York
Net Metering
VDER value-stack creditingNew York has moved most new residential solar from traditional net metering to the VDER 'Value Stack,' which credits exports at a calculated value plus a small Customer Benefit Contribution charge. Bill credits remain close to retail value for most homeowners.
Source: NYSERDA / New York Public Service Commission
Major Utilities
- Con Edison
- National Grid
- NYSEG
- PSEG Long Island
New York Solar Facts
- The NY-Sun program offers per-watt cash incentives that step down as installation milestones are met. (NYSERDA)
- New York offers a 25% state solar income-tax credit, capped at $5,000. (NY Tax Law §606)
Last verified: 2026-06. Always confirm current terms with your utility or at DSIRE.
Is Solar Worth It in New York?
Solar is excellent value in New York despite moderate sun. High electricity rates (22.8¢/kWh) and a strong state incentive stack — NY-Sun rebate + 25% state tax credit — bring payback below 8 years. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
Nationally, EnergySage reports the average homeowner saves about $61,000 over 25 years by going solar — though actual savings vary by state, electricity rate, and system size.
Key Advantage
New York offers the strongest state-level incentive stack in the Northeast: 25% NY state credit ($5k cap) + NY-Sun per-watt rebate stacked on top of net metering savings.
Watch Out For
NYC area installs cost more due to permitting complexity and labor rates. Upstate homes with shade from trees may see 20–30% production reduction vs. sunny states.
Solar Cost & Savings in New York (8 kW System)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross install cost | $23,600 |
| NY State Solar Tax Credit | −$5,000 |
| Net install cost | $23,600 |
| Annual energy savings | $2,237 |
| Simple payback period | 7.2 years |
| 25-year net savings | $38,000 |
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 and is not included above. State and utility incentives may still apply and are listed separately.
* Estimates based on 2.95/W avg install cost, 4.2 peak sun hrs/day, and 22.8¢/kWh rate with 2.5%/yr escalation. Individual results vary.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Compare bids from pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — the nation's largest online solar marketplace.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $38,000
We may earn a referral commission through EnergySage, at no cost to you.
How to Go Solar in New York: Step-by-Step
- 1
Check NYSERDA's NY-Sun incentive availability
Visit nyserda.ny.gov/ny-sun to confirm current incentive block rates in your utility territory (Con Ed, National Grid, or NYSEG). Blocks are approved in tranches — rates are higher for early applicants.
- 2
Calculate your state incentive stack
Estimate: NY State Credit (25%, max $5k) + NY-Sun rebate. For an $18,000 system: $4,500 + $1,500 = $6,000 in state incentives. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — if installed in 2025, also add it via IRS Form 5695.
- 3
Get quotes from NYSERDA-approved installers
Only NYSERDA-approved contractors qualify for NY-Sun rebates. Search at nyserda.ny.gov. Minimum 3 quotes.
- 4
File state tax credit
NY State: File Form IT-255 with your state tax return. Credits can be carried forward if they exceed your tax liability in year 1. If you installed in 2025, also file IRS Form 5695 for the federal credit.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar & Clean Energy in New York
Is solar worth it in New York in 2026?
Yes, especially with NYC-area electricity rates at 22.8¢/kWh. Stacking the NY 25% state credit (up to $5,000) + NY-Sun rebate can significantly reduce net system cost. Payback in NYC is typically 7–9 years. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
What solar incentives are available in New York?
New York has the richest state solar incentive stack in the Northeast: (1) NY 25% state income tax credit (up to $5,000), (2) NY-Sun per-watt rebate ($0.10–0.20/W), (3) Property tax exemption, (4) Sales tax exemption. Note: The federal 25D solar ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — if installed in 2025, consult a tax professional.
How much does solar cost in New York in 2026?
Average statewide is $2.95/W before incentives, or ~$23,600 for an 8 kW system. With the NY 25% state credit ($5,000) and NY-Sun rebate (~$1,500), net cost is approximately $17,100. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
Does solar work in New York winters?
Yes. New York averages 4.2 peak sun hours annually. Even in December, systems produce meaningful power. Snow slides off panel glass quickly, and cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency by 15–20%.
Does New York have net metering in 2026?
New York net metering status: VDER value-stack crediting. New York has moved most new residential solar from traditional net metering to the VDER 'Value Stack,' which credits exports at a calculated value plus a small Customer Benefit Contribution charge. Bill credits remain close to retail value for most homeowners. (Source: NYSERDA / New York Public Service Commission.)
Which utilities in New York offer solar programs?
The main electric utilities in New York are Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, PSEG Long Island. Confirm current offers with your utility and check DSIRE.org for New York programs.
Recommended Products for New York
NYSERDA $200/kWh rebate + Drive Clean $2,000 EV rebate
Calculate Your New York Savings
Use our free calculators with New York's electricity rate (22.8¢/kWh) and gas prices ($2.02/therm) automatically applied.
Browse Other States
Data Sources & Methodology
Incentive data: DSIRE, U.S. DOE, IRS, and state energy offices. Electricity rates: EIA Electric Power Monthly (Feb 2026). Solar production: NREL PVWatts v8. Install costs: EnergySage National Market Report Q4 2025. Rate escalation: 2.5%/yr (20-yr EIA avg). Last updated February 2026. Always verify current amounts with the administering agency.