Solar Panel Cost in New York, NY (2026 Estimate)

BySunMetricLab Editorial Team·Independent solar research and calculators

Data last updated September 10, 2026

New York averages about 4.2 peak sun hours a day (below the national average, a little sunnier than the New York average of 4.0), and pairs with New York's approximate residential rate near 23¢/kWh. In the model used here, an 8 kW system produces roughly 9,810 kWh a year and trims about $2,300 off annual electricity costs, paying back its net cost in about 8.3 years (versus 8.7 years for New York as a whole). Local shading, roof, and your utility's export terms move the real figure.

Estimated system cost and payback in New York

Costs assume roughly $3.35/watt installed; the net column applies a 30% federal credit for comparison with quotes that include it. Savings use New York's sun hours and New York's rate.

The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit ended for systems paid for after December 31, 2025 under the 2025 federal budget law. Net-after-credit figures apply only if you still qualify (for example a 2025 expenditure, or a leased system where the installer passes a credit through). Confirm with a tax professional.

Net metering and utilities around New York

Rooftop solar in New York's investor-owned utility territories is compensated under what the Public Service Commission calls Phase One Net Metering. Exports are credited at the full retail kilowatt-hour rate and roll forward month to month, with any surplus at the end of your chosen annual cycle cashed out at the utility's avoided-cost rate. Systems interconnected since January 1, 2022 also pay a Customer Benefit Contribution, a fixed monthly charge assessed per kilowatt of installed capacity that varies by utility and is meant to fund efficiency and low-income programs.

Con Edison serves New York City and Westchester, National Grid covers upstate from Buffalo to Albany, NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric (both Avangrid) serve the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Rochester, Central Hudson handles the mid-Hudson Valley, and PSEG Long Island operates the LIPA grid. Con Edison's retail rates are among the highest in the country, so net metering credits there are worth far more per kilowatt-hour than in National Grid's upstate territory, where rates sit closer to the national average. The Customer Benefit Contribution is a flat charge per kilowatt, so it trims a small fixed amount every month regardless of production.

For the full state picture, including incentives, property and sales tax treatment and the complete net metering notes, see the New York solar cost page.