| Peak sun hours per day | 3.8 – 4.4 |
|---|---|
| Annual kWh per kW installed | 1,100 – 1,300 |
| Typical system size | 6 – 9 kW |
| Electricity rates | High — among the more expensive states for electricity |
| Export credit regime | Value stack (VDER) transitioning from net metering |
How New York credits the power you export
New York has been moving residential solar from traditional net metering to
its Value of Distributed Energy Resources framework, which credits exports based
on a bundle of components — energy value, capacity, environmental value and
location — rather than a flat retail offset. Residential customers have generally
been able to remain on a simpler net-metering-style arrangement, often with a
customer benefit contribution charge applied.
The mechanics are more complex than most states. That's an argument for getting
the specific credit structure in writing rather than accepting "you get credited
for extra power" as an answer.
The general mechanics are in net metering explained; this is how they land in New York.
What a system costs here
New York pricing sits broadly within the national band of $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives, so a typical 6 – 9 kW system lands somewhere around $15,000–$32,000 before credits. Local labour rates, permitting fees and whether you need an electrical panel upgrade move that more than the panel brand does. Full breakdown in what solar panels cost.
Incentives that stack in New York
| Layer | What it does |
|---|---|
| State tax credit | New York has offered a residential solar credit worth a percentage of system cost up to a capped amount — one of the more valuable state credits. |
| NY-Sun | A per-watt incentive paid through the installer, with the rate stepping down by region as capacity targets are hit. |
| Property tax | A state exemption for the added value has been available, with local jurisdictions able to opt out. |
| Sales tax | State sales tax exemption on residential solar equipment, with local options. |
When solar is a poor fit in New York
- Snow and short winter days mean production is strongly seasonal — judge quotes on annual kWh, never a summer month.
- Older housing stock often needs an electrical panel upgrade, which is a real line item here.
- Dense tree cover in much of the state makes an honest shade survey more important than usual.
The universal disqualifiers apply here too — renting, a roof near end of life, or moving within a few years. See roof age and solar and what happens when you sell.
New York solar questions
Is solar worth it in New York with so little sun?
Often yes, for two reasons: electricity is expensive, so each kWh you avoid buying is worth more; and the incentive stack is among the deepest in the country. Sun resource is only one side of the equation.
What is the New York solar tax credit?
New York has offered a residential credit worth a percentage of system cost up to a cap, claimable against state income tax and separate from any federal credit. Confirm the current percentage, cap and eligibility with a tax professional.
Do solar panels work in snow?
Yes. Panels are smooth and tilted, so snow slides off faster than from shingle, and the dark glass warms in sun even below freezing. Winter production is low regardless because of short days — which is what the annual figure already accounts for.
General information for New York homeowners, not financial, tax or engineering advice. Figures are planning ranges; your own quote depends on your roof, your consumption and your utility.