Top New York Solar Installer Comparison
We've evaluated New York's leading solar installers based on NY-SUN certification, pricing transparency, equipment quality, ConEdison interconnection expertise, and local experience. Here's how the top companies compare:
Empire Solar Solutions
Best For: NYC co-ops & complex installations
New York Service: NYC, Long Island, Westchester
Key Advantage: Expertise with NYC DOB permits and ConEdison interconnection
Price Range: $$$$ (Premium)
Upstate Solar Group
Best For: Upstate NY homes & snow load considerations
New York Service: Upstate NY, Hudson Valley
Key Advantage: Snow load engineering expertise and National Grid/PSEG experience
Price Range: $$ (Mid-Range)
Hudson Valley Solar
Best For: Hudson Valley homes & historic districts
New York Service: Hudson Valley, Capital Region
Key Advantage: Historic preservation expertise and Central Hudson utility knowledge
Price Range: $$ (Mid-Range)
Long Island Solar Pros
Best For: Long Island homes & PSEG-LI customers
New York Service: Long Island, NYC boroughs
Key Advantage: PSEG-LI interconnection expertise and coastal installation experience
Price Range: $$$ (High-End)
New York Solar Cost Comparison by Region
Solar costs vary significantly across New York due to local labor rates, permitting complexity, and utility requirements. Here's how average installed prices compare in major New York regions:
New York City
6 kW System: $18,900
Market: Complex permits, high labor costs
Note: NYC DOB permits required, co-op board approvals
Long Island
6 kW System: $17,700
Market: Competitive with PSEG-LI focus
Note: PSEG-LI interconnection, coastal considerations
Upstate NY
6 kW System: $16,500
Market: Value-oriented, growing adoption
Note: National Grid/NYSEG utilities, snow load engineering
Hudson Valley
6 kW System: $17,100
Market: Historic district considerations
Note: Central Hudson/ConEdison service areas
New York Solar Rebate & Incentive Comparison
New York offers some of the most generous solar incentives in the Northeast, but they vary by region and income level. Compare the major programs available to New York homeowners:
New York Solar Incentive Programs
NY-SUN Megawatt Block
Performance-Based Incentive
$0.20 - $0.35 per watt rebate
Block-based, varies by region
Solar for All
Low-Income Program
Free or low-cost solar for qualifying homeowners
Income-based eligibility
NY State Tax Credit
25% State Tax Credit
Up to $5,000 credit on state taxes
Combines with federal 30%
Property Tax Exemption
15-Year Exemption
100% property tax exemption for 15 years
Applies statewide
Note: All New York homeowners also qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit (ITC) through 2032, which stacks with NY state incentives.
Pros & Cons of Solar in New York
Solar makes sense for most New York homeowners, but it's important to understand both the advantages and challenges specific to the Empire State:
Advantages in New York
- High Electricity Rates: Some of the highest in US (avg. 20-25¢/kWh)
- Strong Incentives: NY-SUN + 25% state tax credit + property tax exemption
- Net Metering: Full retail net metering available statewide
- Property Tax Exemption: 15-year 100% exemption on added value
- Growing Market: State goal of 6 GW by 2025 driving adoption
- Strong ROI: Average 6-8 year payback due to high savings
Considerations in New York
- Higher Upfront Costs: Labor and permits 15-20% above national average
- Complex Permitting: NYC DOB vs. upstate town permits vary widely
- Co-op/Condo Challenges: NYC board approvals add time/complexity
- Snow Load: Upstate requires proper snow load engineering
- Historic Districts: Additional approvals in designated areas
- Utility Variations: ConEdison vs. PSEG-LI vs. National Grid different requirements
New York Utility Solar Program Comparison
Your savings with solar depend heavily on which utility serves your area. Compare the major New York utility solar programs to understand your potential benefits:
ConEdison (Consolidated Edison)
Service Area: NYC, Westchester
Net Metering: Full retail 1:1 credit
Special Programs: Community Solar, Green Power
Interconnection: Complex NYC requirements
Best For: NYC homeowners with patience for permitting
PSEG-LI (Long Island Power Authority)
Service Area: Long Island
Net Metering: Full retail 1:1 credit
Special Programs: LIPA Solar Pioneer, rebate programs
Interconnection: Streamlined process
Best For: Long Island homeowners wanting faster process
National Grid
Service Area: Upstate NY, Capital Region
Net Metering: Full retail 1:1 credit
Special Programs: Community Solar, Renewable NY
Interconnection: Simple rural/upstate process
Best For: Upstate homeowners with straightforward installations
NYSEG & RG&E
Service Area: Central/Southern Tier, Rochester
Net Metering: Full retail 1:1 credit
Special Programs: Solar for All, low-income initiatives
Interconnection: Standard state process
Best For: Central NY homeowners seeking value
New York City Solar Information
Get detailed solar information, local installers, and NYC-specific requirements for these major New York cities and boroughs:
Click any city above for detailed solar information including local installers, NYC DOB permitting, utility programs, and NY-SUN incentives specific to your area.
New York Solar FAQ
How does NY-SUN's megawatt block incentive work?
The NY-SUN program offers tiered incentives based on regional adoption. As more solar is installed in your region, incentive rates decrease. Current blocks range from $0.20-$0.35 per watt depending on your location.
What about co-op and condo solar in NYC?
NYC co-ops and condos can install solar but require board approval. New York's Solar Rights Act provides protections, but the process involves additional steps including engineering studies and board presentations.
How do NYC DOB permits differ from upstate permits?
NYC DOB permits require professional engineering stamps, zoning reviews, and longer processing times (6-8 weeks). Upstate permits are typically simpler town-level permits processed in 2-4 weeks.
What's the 25% New York state tax credit?
New York offers a 25% state tax credit up to $5,000 for solar installations. This is in addition to the federal 30% credit, making New York one of the most incentive-rich states for solar.
How does snow affect solar production in upstate NY?
Snow reduces winter production but panels are typically installed at angles that help snow slide off. Production loss is minimal (10-20%) and is offset by summer overproduction in net metering calculations.
Can my HOA prevent solar installation in New York?
No. New York's Solar Rights Act (NY Real Property Law § 335-b) prevents unreasonable restrictions. HOAs can establish reasonable guidelines but cannot prohibit solar installations.
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