Find out if solar panels are right for your home in New York.
The Empire State has shown a strong commitment to solar energy. There has been 4,470 MW of solar installed and expected to grow up to 8,660 MW over the next 5 years. That is enough to power MILLIONS of homes. As solar prices continue to decrease and policies streamline solar processes and installation, photovoltaic systems continue to see substantial growth throughout the state.
While solar power and other renewable energy options are booming in popularity, there is much to consider. Whether you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint or your utility bills we’ll walk you through the most important factors to help you make the best energy decision.
The average price for a home solar panel system in New York is $17,220 for a 6kW system or about $2.87 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
Right off the bat, we see that solar in NY is higher than the average price throughout the country; however, this shouldn’t come as a surprise as most things are more expensive in New York than the rest of the U.S., including your utility bill. There are still other things to consider including incentives which could drastically help in cost.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| New York | $17,220 | $28,700 | $8,610 | $2.87 |
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For many New Yorkers, the optimal solar system size finds a balance between cost and capacity. In the Empire State, the aim is to produce enough solar energy to satisfy your home's electrical needs while ensuring the costs remain as economical as possible.
I.E. you'll want tothe best bang for your buck.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,350 | $8,785 |
| 6 kW | $17,220 | $10,542 |
| 7 kW | $20,090 | $12,299 |
| 8 kW | $22,960 | $14,056 |
| 10 kW | $28,700 | $17,570 |
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect - including solar. To avoid buyer's remorse, you should think about all the pros and cons associated with installing solar equipment on your home. Everyone has their own opinion on how to interpret and weigh the pros and cons against each other in addition to different needs and priorities in terms of their home and finances.
Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.
While New York doesn’t have an ideal climate for solar panels compared to places like Arizona or California, yet there are still a lot of benefits.
New York has shown a strong commitment to solar energy, with substantial growth in installations, a clear policy framework, and significant investments. The state's initiatives, such as the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth Act and net metering policies, have fostered a favorable environment for solar development.
Due to the policy support structure and state investments, homeowners can expect a payback period of 3 to 4 years. After incentives, the average solar cost is around .
If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in New York. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
In addition to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. Your city, utility, or other local company could offer hundreds or thousands of dollars in incentives to install solar systems.
This table shows the available incentives in New York. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island Power Authority - PV Rebate Program | NY | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Residential Solar Tax Credit | NY | Financial Incentive | Personal Tax Credit |
| Renewable Portfolio Standard | NY | Regulatory Policy | Renewables Portfolio Standard |
| Green Building Tax Credit Program (Corporate) | NY | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Credit |
| Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption | NY | Financial Incentive | Property Tax Incentive |
| NYSERDA - Renewables R&D Grant Program | NY | Financial Incentive | Industry Recruitment/Support |
| New York Solar Easements & Solar Rights Laws | NY | Regulatory Policy | Solar/Wind Access Policy |
| Suffolk County - Green Power Purchasing Policy | NY | Regulatory Policy | Green Power Purchasing |
| Net Metering | NY | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| Residential Loan Fund | NY | Financial Incentive | Loan Program |
There are hundreds of solar companies in New York. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.
New York's solar energy landscape is marked by significant projects and ambitious goals.
Key installations include the Shoreham Solar Commons, which boasts a capacity of 32 MW, Corning's project in Tonawanda at 6 MW, and Branscomb Solar in Schaghticoke with 27 MW. These projects reflect the state's commitment to renewable energy, with a goal to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030.
Major corporations are also contributing to this green initiative. Companies like Walmart, Target, and Corning have gone solar in New York, reflecting a broader trend of corporate investment in sustainable energy solutions. Due to the collaborations between public goals and private investment New York has become a top 10 leader in the renewable energy industry. This aligns with the state’s desire for environmental advocacy and economic growth.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in New York decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in New York can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in New York is $20,880 for a 6kW system or about or about $3.48 per watt.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
How do I know if my home is a good candidate for a solar system?
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.
Some skilled DIYers may be able to save some solar installation costs by installing solar equipment themselves. But, any solar installation will require a foundational knowledge of wiring and electricity. There's is a lot that can go wrong, posing a potentially deadly hazard.
Before you try to DIY your system we would recommend getting a quote from a solar installer. You may find that the labor costs of your install is relatively small compared to the cost of the solar equipment itself.
There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home.
Yes. The process might differ slightly depending on the local jurisdiction, but generally, homeowners must submit a permit application that includes detailed site plans and specifications for the solar system to the local building department.
New York has made efforts to standardize and simplify the permitting process across various municipalities, making it more accessible to residents. For precise guidelines, homeowners should reach out to their specific city or county building department. Many solar installation companies operating in New York also offer assistance in navigating the local permitting requirements, aiding homeowners in a smooth transition towards clean, renewable energy.
Check out the links below for resources for some of the major cities:
City of Buffalo Permit & Inspection Services
City of Rochester Permit Services
City of Yonkers Building Department
City of Syracuse Division of Code Enforcement
City of Albany Division of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance
