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Discover the Power of Solar Energy in New York!

Welcome to New York, a state known for its iconic cityscapes, diverse natural beauty, and now, its growing commitment to solar energy. Despite the hustle and bustle of city life, New York is making significant strides in the adoption of clean, renewable energy sources, with solar power leading the way. The state?s ambitious clean energy initiatives, combined with an increasing number of sunny days, create an ideal environment for solar power generation. New York offers a variety of incentives and programs aimed at encouraging homeowners and businesses to invest in solar energy, making it more accessible and affordable than ever. Learn how converting to solar power can light up your home, bring down your energy costs, and play a crucial role in combating climate change. Join us in embracing solar energy and stepping into a brighter, more sustainable future in the Empire State.

Solar State Incentives

New York State Solar Incentives

NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Commercial and Industrial)
NYSERDA's NY-Sun program offers incentives for non-residential grid-connected solar PV systems. Applications open until December 31, 2030.
Community Distributed Generation
NY's Community Net-metering policy enables multiple customers to receive credits for renewable energy produced off-site. It provides potential benefits to renters, low-income residents, and homeowners who couldn't previously install renewable energy facilities.
Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption
New York's 2017 Assembly Bill 260 exempts certain energy systems from property taxes, including solar, wind, and electric storage systems, for 15 years.
PSEG Long Island- Commercial Solar PV Feed-in Tariff
PSEG Long Island's Commercial Solar FIT program, aimed at expanding solar energy in the commercial sector, is no longer accepting applications. The program supported non-residential solar projects in LIPA's service territory.
Clean Energy Standard
New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates 70% renewable electricity by 2030, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
Clean Energy Fund (CEF)
In 2016, the New York Public Service Commission approved a $5 billion Clean Energy Fund, administered by NYSERDA, to support state sponsored clean energy activities. The fund aims to achieve renewable energy, CO2 reduction, customer bill savings and private investment goals by 2025.
NY-Sun Loan Program
The NY-Sun Initiative offers state-sponsored low-interest loans for solar PV system installation, providing financial options for residential and commercial sectors under the Green Jobs-Green New York Act.
NY Green Bank
The NY Green Bank, established by NYSERDA, accelerates clean energy deployment by addressing market and financial barriers. It has secured over $1 billion in funding.
Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings
New York's 2012 law allows local governments to exempt green buildings from property taxes, provided the construction commences after January 1, 2013, exceeds $10,000, and meets certain green standards.
New York City - Residential Solar Sales Tax Exemption
New York City's Resolution 1121, effective from Dec 2005, exempts residential solar energy systems from city's sales tax.
NYSERDA - Residential Financing Options
NYSERDA's Green Jobs-Green New York Program offers loans for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $25,000 in loans.
State of NY Commercial PACE Financing Program
New York's PACE financing program allows property owners to borrow money for energy efficiency improvements. The loan is repaid through a special assessment on the property over several years.
PSEG Long Island - Net Metering
PSEG Long Island's net metering policy, similar to the State law, allows certain residential, non-residential, and farm energy systems to participate. Excess energy is carried forward or purchased by PSEG.
New York City - Property Tax Abatement for Photovoltaic (PV) and Energy Storage equipment
New York's property tax abatement for photovoltaic (PV) system expenditures on buildings in cities with a million or more population has been extended until March 15, 2024.
New York City - Green Building Requirements for Municipal Buildings
New York City's 2005 law mandates green building and energy efficiency requirements for municipal buildings and city-funded projects. The law has evolved to require stringent green building design standards and significant reduction in energy consumption.
Long Island Power Authority - Renewable Electricity Goal
New York State's aggressive Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act looks to substantially increase renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
City of Riverhead - Energy Conservation Device Permitting Fees
Riverhead town on Long Island offers a discount on permit fees for installing energy conservation devices like solar panels, promoting sustainable practices.
Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption
AB 260 adds micro-hydro, fuel cell, and electric energy storage systems to property tax exemptions for energy-conservation home improvements in New York.
Solar Sales Tax Exemption
New York provides sales tax exemptions for residential and non-residential solar-energy systems, including those owned by third parties. Local governments can also grant exemptions.
Interconnection Standards
New York's Standard Interconnection Requirements (SIR) rules for distributed generation systems have been updated to help clear application backlogs and include energy storage systems.
NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business)
The NY Sun Incentive Program offers financial incentives for approved, grid-connected photovoltaic systems, aiming to support 10 GW of installed capacity by 2030.
System Benefits Charge
New York's System Benefits Charge (SBC) supports energy efficiency and low-income energy assistance, funded by a surcharge on electric utility customers' bills.
Net Metering
The New York Public Service Commission has adopted a new tariff for net metering projects starting 2022, introducing a charge to cover state-funded program costs, while retaining the overall structure of the previous tariff.
New York Solar Easements & Solar Rights Laws
New York's property laws permit solar easements for uninterrupted solar access. Agreements must detail easement location, termination provisions, and interference compensation.
Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption
New York State's Real Property Tax Law offers a 15-year tax exemption for solar, wind, and farm-waste energy systems. The exemption is a local option, allowing local governments to decide on its implementation.
Residential Solar Tax Credit
The personal income tax credit, enacted in 1997, applies to solar-electric and solar-thermal equipment used in residential properties, with a credit capped at $5,000.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.