Are solar panels worth it in New York? The honest 2026 answer
For most NY homeowners: yes, clearly. Con Edison's $0.30+/kWh rates, the 25% state credit, RPTAP in NYC, and NY-Sun rebates make New York one of the strongest solar markets in the US. Here is the complete honest picture.
New York is a genuinely excellent solar market in 2026 — one of the best in the Northeast and arguably in the entire country for certain homeowners. The combination of high electricity rates, strong state incentives, and a well-established solar industry makes the financial case clear for most NY homeowners who own their home. Let's walk through the honest analysis by region, because New York is not uniform.
New York City: the strongest case in the state
NYC homeowners face two facts that make solar compelling: Con Edison's retail rates of $0.28 to $0.34/kWh are among the highest for any mainland US utility, and NYC homeowners have access to the RPTAP property tax abatement in addition to the state 25% credit and NY-Sun rebates. After the full NYC incentive stack, a typical 8 kW system's net cost can fall to $8,000–$12,000 — with payback in 3 to 5 years based on current Con Edison rates. Over 25 years, NYC homeowners with a well-sized system commonly net $60,000 to $90,000 in savings. This is among the best solar economics in the United States.
One important NYC caveat: cooperative apartment buildings and many condominiums face structural and board-approval constraints on rooftop solar. Individual brownstone and row-home owners, and owners of single- or two-family homes in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx, have the clearest path to rooftop solar. Manhattan building owners should consult a solar installer experienced in NYC to assess feasibility.
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Westchester County homeowners served by Con Edison have nearly the same financial profile as NYC homeowners, minus the RPTAP abatement (which is NYC-specific). Hudson Valley homeowners served by Central Hudson have similar sun resources (4.3 to 4.6 peak hours) and rates in the $0.24 to $0.28/kWh range. After the 25% state credit and NY-Sun, payback typically falls in the 6 to 8 year range. Strong market, competitive installer pricing, and an established track record of residential solar.
Upstate New York
National Grid territory across upstate NY — Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and surrounding areas — has somewhat lower electricity rates ($0.22 to $0.26/kWh) and slightly less sun (4.0 to 4.5 peak hours) than the NYC metro. Solar is still a strong investment: after the 25% state credit, NY-Sun rebates, and sales tax exemption, net costs are competitive and payback typically runs 7 to 10 years. Over 25 years, upstate NY homeowners commonly net $30,000 to $55,000. The case is somewhat stronger in winter storm areas where battery storage adds real resilience value.
Long Island
Long Island homeowners under PSEG Long Island's VDER tariff have excellent sun resources (4.5 to 4.8 peak hours) and relatively high PSEG rates, but the VDER credit structure produces lower per-kWh export credit values than retail-rate net metering. The honest picture: solar is still worth it on Long Island, but payback tends to run 7 to 10 years rather than the 5 to 7 years of a strong Con Edison scenario. The 25% state credit and NY-Sun apply. NYSERDA has specific programs for Long Island solar.
When solar is NOT worth it in New York
Solar does not make financial sense for NY homeowners who rent, plan to sell within 3 to 4 years, have heavily shaded roofs, or have very low electricity usage. Co-op apartments face board approval requirements that may be prohibitive. Building owners whose structures are in landmark districts may face aesthetic restrictions. In these cases, we will give you the honest answer rather than push you forward.