Conservation
Solar Opportunities - New York
Solar Offerings and Incentives
New Yorkers who want to go solar have multiple incentives available to them for installing solar equipment. In a few municipalities there are additional options to buy solar power from local projects, rather than installing solar at your home.
State and local Tax Incentives
Residential Solar Tax Credit
This is an income tax credit that can only be used on solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems that are installed on residential property. System owners can claim 25% of the cost of equipment purchase and installation, the maximum credit is $5,000. Systems must be less than 25 kilowatt excepting condominium and cooperative housing associations which have a limit of 50,000 kilowatt systems. More information about eligibility and how to claim this tax credit can be found here.
Solar Sales Tax Exemption
In addition to exempting the purchase of a variety of solar equipment from state sales tax, New York also allows local governments to grant exemption of solar energy systems from local taxes. Check with your local government to see whether they have opted into this tax exemption. More information can be found here.
New York City- Residential Solar Sales Tax Exemption
New York City has passed a resolution to allow the exemption of solar energy systems from 100% of local sales tax. More information can be found here.
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
A federal-level investment tax credit (ITC) is now available to consumers wanting to purchase small wind turbines, solar panels, or geothermal heat pumps. The ITC, written into law through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is available for equipment installed from Oct. 3, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2016. The credit covers 30% of the equipment cost, though some technologies have a credit cap of $2000. More details and a complete list of eligible technologies can be found here.
Statewide programs
NY Sun Initiative
Description: The NY Sun Initiative makes solar more affordable for homeowners by providing incentives and helping households identify the array of incentives available to them. A cost estimator tool is provided here.
Eligibility: New York resident
For more information: http://ny-sun.ny.gov/programs-incentives or
Local solar power
Long Island Solar Farm
Description: This project is a 32 megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant that spans 200 acres. It will provide enough electricity for about 4,500 homes every year. At the time of its construction, the Long Island Solar Farm was considered the largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the Eastern US and the power will has been purchased by the Long Island Power Authority through a 20 year power purchasing agreement. By providing the state with clean energy, the solar farm is also helping New York meet its clean energy and carbon reduction goals.
Eligibility: Customer of Long Island Power Authority
More information can be found here.
Eastern Long Island Solar Project
Description: This project is located on 7 parking lots in Suffolk County. The panels not only generate electricity, but protect the cars parked there. The Eastern Long Island Solar Project also has other environmental benefits including reducing the heat island effect often caused by parking lots. The power has been purchased by Long Island Power Authority.
Eligibility: Customer of Long Island Power Authority
More information can be found here.
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