Updated September 2026. This page used to describe New York’s 2010 incentive programs, which have long since ended. Here is what’s available now.
New York has some of the strongest clean-energy policies in the country. Its 2019 climate law (the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act) set targets of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission grid by 2040, and it set a goal of 10 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030. That goal is within reach: New York passed 8 GW of installed distributed solar in mid-2026, after a record 1.28 GW in 2025, and it leads the nation in community solar.
For homeowners going solar
- State tax credit: 25% of the cost, up to $5,000, and unused credit carries forward. This is now the biggest incentive, because the federal 30% credit ended for systems installed after 2025. See Solar Tax Credits by State.
- NY-Sun rebates: NYSERDA’s per-watt incentives are paid through the installer and step down as each block of capacity fills. Several standard residential blocks were fully subscribed by late 2025. Households with moderate or low incomes may still qualify for larger “affordable solar” incentives. Ask your installer what is open in your region today.
- No sales tax: residential solar equipment and installation are exempt from state sales tax, and many localities waive theirs too.
- Property tax: under state law, the added value from solar is exempt from property tax for 15 years, unless your locality has opted out. New York City also offers a separate solar property tax abatement.
- Community solar: renters, and anyone with a shaded roof, can subscribe to a local solar farm for bill credits, usually with no upfront cost.
Beyond solar
- Heat pumps: the NYS Clean Heat program, run through the utilities, offers rebates for heat pumps for heating, cooling and hot water.
- Efficiency upgrades: NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program offers free or discounted insulation, air sealing and appliance upgrades to income-eligible households.
- Long Island: Long Island is served by PSEG Long Island on behalf of LIPA, which runs its own solar and efficiency programs.
Programs and funding levels change several times a year. Always confirm current offers with NYSERDA or your utility before signing a contract.
