Incentivizing Solar in NYS

How much does it cost to install a residential solar system?

That depends on a variety of factors, including system size, roof type, roof slope, and municipal permitting process. For example, the larger the system, the higher the costs, but the lower the average cost per watt installed. The steeper the roof, the higher the cost. Is the roof material composite shinge? Asphalt shingle? Tile? Slate? Some materials are easier to work with than others, which factors into the cost. Is the roof one story or three? The higher up we have to transport your panels, the higher the cost.

To provide an indication of what most people pay, we turn to NYSERDA, which provides the most accurate data on the New York State solar market.

In 2023, the median pre-incentive cost for a solar array in Westchester, NY was $31,447 for a 7.2 kW system, according to NYSERDA internal data published here. The median post-incentive cost was $15,658.

Most solar installations qualify for NY Sun Residential Block 9, NYS Solar Energy Equipment Credit, and Federal Residential Energy Credit. The Federal Low-Income Bonus Credit and Federal Domestic Content Bonus Credit require special applications.

Toggle any incentive on/off to see how they reduce the total.

This tax credit can only be accessed during a specific application window and is only available in low-income neighborhoods and/or for qualifying affordable housing.

No solar module manufacturers have yet qualified for this tax credit, which requires the bulk of the module components, inlcuding the solar cells be manufactured in the United States.